Will SimpliSafe replace Outdoor Cameras that are stolen? (Like RIng)

Hi Worthing,

We don't have a specific policy currently in place and leave it to our Support team to take each situation on a case-by-case basis.

As for tracking 'stolen' items - we unfortunately don't have a system for that in place.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

As for tracking 'stolen' items - we unfortunately don't have a system for that in place.

The situation I'm imaging is someone steals my SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera and pairs it to their SimpliSafe monitored system. You all have no way to check for a MAC address or serial number of the stolen device in your system?

(Yes, I know this is not a likely scenario but I'm surprised you all can't search your system for something like a camera that is connected via WiFi and has a unique MAC Address and S/N.)

Specifically, we don't have a way to tag and track particular items, just in case they turn up on another account. We can check if the component is set up on a different account right now.

But then after that, we run into privacy issues. We don't want to assume that whoever has the component active on their account next is for sure the thief in question. So we can't divulge their info to anyone else without confirming their Safe Word passcode.
And really at that point this becomes a matter best left for your local police.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

How would one steal an outdoor camera?  I should think a logical placement for maximum coverage would require a ladder at the very least!  Certainly the number of at risk cameras would be pretty small, overall.  Wouldn't home insurance (at least in the USA) cover such a loss?

@glenbarrington re: camera placement
Having spoken to members of law enforcement about cameras, they actually suggest to have one down low to capture an individuals face.  Thieves know they can simply wear a hat and cover their face and a camera mounted up high would never get a clear shot.  So it's a good idea to maybe have cameras high and low for a different point of view, but it really depends on your situation.

This is why I love this state of the art 2007 forum: exchange of viewpoints, good, friendly discoussions on security and you can always learn new things.

While my 2 outdoor cams are high, my doorbell pro is at, well, doorbell level and 3 simplicams are about 4 feet high inside and cover almost 100% of the first floor.

Wow, wait unitl Simplisafe gets the forum and CRC up! Can't wait for the capability of webinars, setting up scheduled online chats, system status, firmware logging with version control with feature information, online chat support and much more...I hope!

Well, I'm pretty lucky, I guess.  My house slopes down from the street about 20-30 feet over-all towards a creek in the back.  I can keep the camera well off the ground and and aimed towards the street and still be able to see someone's face.

I should think a logical placement for maximum coverage would require a ladder at the very least!

I thought, and posted, exactly like you and apparently there are many who want to install it at 4-6 feet

Y'all are replying like we've lost our minds or something when Simplisafe itself recommends putting the outdoor camera at a height of 6 to 8 feet for best results. You can find more info at https://support.simplisafe.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407862139021-Wireless-Outdoor-Security-Camera-Video-and-Audio-Troubleshooting

Wouldn't home insurance (at least in the USA) cover such a loss?

Probably but virtually no one would file a claim for it. Most people have a deductible at (or well above) the $170 so it just doesn't make sense financially. If people are renting, and have renter's insurance, it may make more sense as renters insurance is dirt cheap compared to homeowners insurance.