10 Tips to Protect Your Video Doorbell Against Theft

Video doorbells are valuable for home security. It enables you to monitor vacant properties while you’re away, provides security footage for the home (and any packages that might become the victim of porch pirates), and sometimes reduces insurance costs.

But, their exposed placement and high value could make them prime targets for theft. Fortunately, there are ways to protect video doorbell cameras from theft.

This article explains why video doorbells are common targets and details on how to minimize your risk.

Why Video Doorbells Are Common Targets

Video doorbells are frequent targets for thieves because they are expensive, clearly visible, and relatively easy to remove and resell.

As video doorbells gain more popularity as an effective component of a home security system, some homeowners are concerned about the high price tag. Attaching an expensive, novel technology to the outside of your house for all to see tends to increase the risk of losing that technology to theft.

Most video doorbell cameras are easy to identify as they often do not match the color of the trim or siding upon which they are mounted. Anyone walking near your house can see that you have a video doorbell and if that person is so inclined, the doorbell is pretty easy to rip off of your house.

Granted, the thief will likely need a crowbar or a screwdriver, but it doesn’t take long to remove the doorbell, and it isn’t too difficult. Once the thief has your doorbell, selling it or resetting it is also fairly simple.

Additionally, once your video doorbell is gone, the thief may decide to seize the day and burgle your house. Your first defense against home invasion doesn’t do much good if it’s stuffed in the home invader’s pocket.

10 Tips to Protect Your Video Doorbell and Deter Potential Burglars

You can protect your video doorbell by mounting it securely, using protective covers, enabling tamper alarms, and securing your Wi-Fi network.

Despite the potential of losing your device to a motivated thief, doorbells provide homeowners with many security advantages that are worth preserving. Here are some simple and effective ways to maximize your home security.

1. Mount your doorbell wisely and securely

Use security screws and backplates to mount your doorbell directly to the doorframe or exterior wall. Resist any temptation to use temporary or light-duty mounting hardware like double-sided tape, which is extremely ineffective for theft prevention. Using the provided security screws prevents thieves from simply pulling the camera down and walking away. At the very least, the thief will need a tool, which deters spontaneous theft.

2. Use a protective cover or mounting plate

Install a protective cover or an anti theft video doorbell mount to hide mounting screws and physically block tampering.
If a thief is determined to steal your doorbell, they may return with a screwdriver.

Pro Tip: If you already have a Reolink doorbell, there are 3rd party anti-theft mounts available in the market to enhance protection from theft.

3. Enable the built-in anti-theft function

Some video doorbells have built-in anti-theft functions and it should be enabled at all times. For the Reolink Reolink Battery Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) you can enable its built-in Tamper Alert function to trigger a loud siren and send an immediate push notification if someone forcefully pries it off. This acts as excellent theft protection without requiring you to buy extra accessories.

If you haven't purchase a video doorbell yet, it's always best to check if the doorbell has a physical alarm.

Note: If you are looking for a video doorbell, check our comprehensive guide on the best doorbell cameras without subscription.

4. Use other security measures and advertise them

You can also display security signs in your yard to warn burglars that your property is actively monitored by a security system. Most security companies provide signs to notify potential thieves that you are protected. Alternatively, signs stating that a dog, gun, or alarm system is protecting the home can also act as strong psychological deterrents.

5. Monitor your notifications

Check your doorbell notifications immediately to spot and identify potential thieves before they succeed in taking the device. If a thief attempts to tamper with your doorbell but is unsuccessful, your doorbell may alert you. Monitoring alerts closely allows you to identify the burglar or return home before they come back with better tools.

6. Use a two-way talk feature

Use the two-way audio feature to deter the thief and let them know they are being actively recorded. Many doorbells including the Reolink WiFi Video Doorbell have this capability, allowing you to speak directly to anyone. A sudden, loud voice demanding they get their crowbar off your doorbell is often enough to send them running.

7. Secure your home Wi-Fi network

Change your smart device's default passwords and secure your home Wi-Fi to prevent hackers from bypassing TLS/SSL encryption and disabling your doorbell remotely. Many people neglect to change default passwords, making it easy for hackers to access personal data, including security footage. Anyone who can take down your home’s Wi-Fi can disable your doorbell, making it much easier for them to attempt physical theft undetected.

8. Backup your data

Set up cloud or local backups to ensure you retain your video evidence if your physical doorbell is stolen. If the video data remains only on your camera’s internal SD card, you won’t be able to see who stole it. Cloud backups automatically upload videos, though they can require recurring subscriptions. Manual backups to an external hard drive or an indoor hub ensure your footage is kept safe inside the house.

9. Consider a backup security camera

Install a secondary, well-concealed basic security camera to monitor your porch and doorbell from a different angle. While a video doorbell is useful, a backup camera placed higher up keeps an eye on your doorbell for extra peace of mind, ensuring you have footage even if the primary device is damaged or stolen.

10. Camouflage your doorbell

Camouflage your doorbell near plants, rocks, a birdhouse, or a mailbox to make it a less obvious target for passersby. Consider placing your video doorbell in a somewhat less visible area than your direct doorframe. As long as a hole aligns with the camera lens and unobstructed view, the doorbell will function while securely hidden.

What Should You Do If Your Video Doorbell Is Stolen?

If your doorbell is stolen, do not enter your house. Report the theft to the police immediately, secure your video footage, and check your warranty or insurance.

Following all tips reduces, but does not entirely eliminate, the risk of dealing with a stolen doorbell or other brand. Proceed with these steps:

1. Report the theft: Call the police immediately and do not enter your house, as the thief may still be inside.
2. Secure your footage: Take pictures of the damage, download video from the cloud, and monitor for suspicious individuals in your recordings. You cannot track the doorbell via GPS, so video evidence is your best route to track it down.
3. Check warranties and insurance: See whether your manufacturer provides theft replacement warranties, and contact your insurance company if the doorbell was insured.

Always Take Preventative Measures

Consistently applying preventative measures minimizes your theft risk and helps you recover your data and finances faster if a theft does occur.

Take as many of these measures as you can to reduce the odds of a theft and improve your peace of mind. Update your video doorbell’s software often, ensure your backups are fully functional, and pay close attention to any notifications you receive.

FAQs

Do People Steal Doorbells?

Yes, people do steal video doorbells, typically for two reasons: resale value and concealment. Some thieves remove the device, factory reset it, and sell it on the secondary market. Others steal or destroy the doorbell to eliminate video evidence before attempting a burglary. For this reason, protecting your video doorbell from theft is just as important as installing it, as it helps preserve both your security and any valuable footage.

Can a Video Doorbell be hacked?

Like any internet-connected device, video doorbells can potentially be hacked. However, the risk is low when proper security measures are in place. Most security incidents occur due to weak passwords, outdated firmware, or unsecured Wi‑Fi networks rather than vulnerabilities in the doorbell itself. To keep your video doorbell secure, use a strong unique password, keep the firmware updated, enable two-factor authentication where available, and protect your home network with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.

Conclusion

Keeping your video doorbell secure requires a balanced approach that addresses both physical and digital risks. By securing the device itself and strengthening your Wi-Fi network, you can better protect your home, privacy, and peace of mind.

Have a video doorbell security tip of your own? Share your thoughts or ask a question in the comments below. Your insights could help other homeowners stay protected.