Do People Steal Dash Cams? How to Prevent Dash Cam Theft

Dash cams are very helpful for you as a driver. They give you safety, help you collect proof if something goes wrong and help you feel calm. But you might wonder, "Do people steal dash cams?" Sadly, they do. Dash cam theft is becoming more common, especially in places where crime is high. Still, there are many easy ways you can keep your dash cam safe.

In this guide, you will learn about the risk of dash cam theft, why people take dash cams, how you can lower the chance of theft and what to do if your dash cam is stolen.

Yes, people do steal dash cams. Thieves choose dash cams because they are easy to see, are worth money and are simple to grab from cars. If you leave your dash cam out in the open, it becomes a target for someone looking for something easy to take. Whether you park in a busy lot or leave your car for a long time, you need to know about theft risks and start using steps to avoid trouble.

Many things make dash cams more likely to get stolen.

Most dash cams are stuck right on your windshield or close to your mirror. This makes them easy for anyone walking by your car to spot. If someone with bad plans sees it, your dash cam may get stolen.

Dash cams are made to record crashes, crimes or even pretty drives. Thieves may think dash cams and the memory cards inside them are worth money. This belief makes them more likely to take your dash cam.

Usually, dash cams are held up with a sticky pad or a suction cup. These are great for you, but they also mean it takes just a few seconds for a thief to pull out your dash cam and walk away.

Dash cams are small and light, so they are simple to take and hide. A thief can grab one quickly and not draw much attention. Their small size helps the thief leave with your dash cam before anyone notices.

A lot of dash cams do not come with ways to stop thieves. If your dash cam does not have special safety features, it is easier to steal. This is a bigger problem in places where there is more crime.

If you park in a busy city or in places with a lot of cars, your car may be alone for a while. Thieves like these places because it’s easy for them to move in a crowd and look for cars with things inside, like your dash cam.

If you park your car in dark or lonely places, theft can happen more often. Thieves like being in the dark where it’s hard for someone else to see them steal your dash cam.

You’re more likely to lose things like a dash cam if you leave your car in a place where crime happens a lot. Thieves in these areas go after cars to find easy items to take.

Parking garages might feel safe, but they are also risky. Thieves like these areas because they can look at many cars and spot a dash cam without anyone watching them too closely.

If you leave your car for a long time, like when you go shopping or have a meeting, your dash cam is at more risk. It is the same if you leave your dash cam where everyone can see it. Thieves want to find things fast without someone around.

There are several things you can do to keep your dash cam safe.

Some dash cams are small and do not stand out. If you pick a mini dash camera, it will be harder for thieves to see it and try to steal it.

Pick a dash cam with a G-sensor and parking mode. These features will help your dash cam record if someone comes close to your car, even if your car is parked. This might scare thieves away if they know they will be recorded.

Some dash cams let you find them if they get stolen because they have GPS. If a thief takes your camera, you may be able to locate it later.

A night vision dash cam records clear video even in dark spots. If a thief tries to steal your dash cam at night, you may have a better chance of seeing who did it.

Dash cams with Wi-Fi or phone app connections are helpful. You can look at your dash cam through your phone and even get a warning if someone tries to mess with it.

Put your dash cam where it is hard for people walking outside your car to spot it. It keeps you less worried about someone wanting to take it.

Tidy up your dash cam cables. Do not let them hang where they can be seen. This way, people don’t notice you have a camera inside your car.

A cover over your car’s windshield helps hide your dash cam from people passing by. It can also protect your car from the sun, but it really helps because it covers your camera.

The best thing you can do is take your dash cam with you when you leave your car. Many dash cams are easy for you to take out and put back in, so this is a good habit.

If you park in a bright area where people can see your car, a thief is less likely to try and steal anything. Cameras for the parking lot help too.

This film makes it harder for someone to break your window. It helps protect your dash cam and anything else inside your car.

Talk to others about dash cam theft. If you and people around you are careful, thieves will think twice before trying anything in your area.

If someone does take your dash cam, you need to react fast. Here are some steps for you:

Call the police and tell them what happened. Give them details about your dash cam and where it was stolen. This helps them start looking for it.

If you use an app or cloud storage with your dash cam, update your passwords. This makes sure the thief cannot see your personal data or videos.

If your camera saves video to the cloud, log in right away. You may find video or location info that helps you and the police.

Some insurance will help you pay for a new dash cam. Give your insurance the police report and your proof of buying the camera.

If you lose your dash cam, make changes so it doesn’t happen again. Hide your next dash cam better, use special locks or pick safer places to park.

The risk of dash cam theft is real, but the good things about dash cams are often worth more than the worries—especially if you take safe steps.

With a dash cam, you will have video proof if something bad happens. This can help you with your insurance or if you need to explain what happened to police.

A thief might walk away if they think they are being recorded. Some dash cams even beep or give a sign if someone tries to steal or touch them.

You will feel safer with a dash cam in your car. It helps keep you and others on the road safe from trouble.

Parking mode records even when you’re gone. This feature helps you stay protected at all times, giving you even more safety.

You will feel better knowing your dash cam is watching what happens while you drive. If you protect it, the benefits are worth dealing with the risk of theft.

Yes, there is a risk someone might steal your dash cam, but the good things you get from having one make it well worth it—especially when you follow steps to keep your camera secure. Dash cams from RedTiger are a great idea, since these cameras come with features to help keep your car and your videos safe. Do not let fear stop you from making your driving safer.

Should you leave a dash cam in your car?

It is best for you to take your dash cam out if you are not using it, especially if you park somewhere risky. If you do leave it, make sure it has safety features or find a good parking spot.

Should I Hide My Dash Cam?

Yes. If you hide your dash cam, you lower the chance of someone seeing it and wanting to take it.

Do dash cams prevent theft?

A dash cam will not stop someone from breaking in, but it records what they do which makes some thieves too scared to try.

Do dash cams record if the car is off?

Many dash cams with parking mode will keep recording even if the car is turned off, keeping you safe even when you’re not there.