Do Burglars Avoid Houses with Ring Doorbells?

Did you notice that home security has changed a lot in recent years? Both homeowners and renters now rely on smart video doorbells to monitor their front doors. This raises an important question: Do burglars actually avoid houses with Ring doorbells, or is it just a false sense of security? Let’s break it down with real-world logic, expert insights, and practical takeaways.

The short answer is yes, many burglars do avoid them. There are studies and interviews with former burglars. We also went through the reports from crime prevention experts, all pointing to the same conclusions

“Visible security devices, especially video doorbells, can discourage burglars.”

A Ring doorbell sends a clear message:

• Someone is watching
• Video evidence can be recorded
• The risk of being identified is higher
  

For opportunistic burglars looking for easy targets, that extra risk is often enough to make them move on.

Why Ring Doorbells Act as a Deterrent?

We all know that visibility changes behavior. Most Ring doorbells are clearly visible at the front door. Burglars prefer homes where they can act unnoticed. When they see a camera on the front door, they avoid any suspicious activity. It’s because a camera immediately increases their chances of being recorded or recognized. 

Moreover, burglars usually want time, and Ring doorbells take that away. When a motion is detected, Ring doorbells notify homeowners instantly. This means that 

• The homeowner may be watching live
• Police or neighbors could be alerted quickly
• The break-in window becomes much smaller

Not only that, but since Ring also offers two-way audio in its doorbells, it adds psychological pressure on burglars. A sudden voice saying, “Can I help you?” can be enough to scare someone off. Burglars assume that the homeowner is physically present, even if they are not at home.

What Burglars Look for When Choosing a Target

Burglars tend to avoid homes that show signs of:

• Surveillance cameras
• Smart doorbells
• Alarm systems
• Good lighting
• Active neighbors

Instead, they target properties that look:

• Unoccupied
• Poorly lit
• Unmonitored
• Easy to access

A Ring doorbell disrupts that entire calculation.

Are Ring Doorbells 100% Effective?

No security device is foolproof.

Some experienced criminals may:

• Cover their face
• Look away from the camera
• Disable Wi-Fi connections
• Target blind spots
  

However, most burglaries are not carried out by professionals. They’re crimes of opportunity. For these cases, Ring doorbells are very effective deterrents.

Does a Ring Doorbell Work Better With Other Security Measures?

Absolutely. Ring doorbells are most effective when combined with:

• Motion-activated porch lights
• Secure door locks
• Visible security signage
• Neighbor awareness
• Smart locks or alarms

Layered security makes your home far less appealing to intruders.

Ring Doorbells for Renters: Still Worth It?

Yes, especially for renters.

Ring doorbells:

• They are easy to install and remove
• Don’t require permanent modifications
• Add security without landlord-approved systems
• Can move with you when you relocate
  

For apartment dwellers and renters, a Ring doorbell is often the most practical first security upgrade.

5 Best Ring Doorbells for Renters

1. Ring Peephole Cam

Now this one is best for renters living in shared apartments. Ring Peephole cam offers no drilling installation and is specifically designed for apartment doors. It replaces your existing peephole with a smart video camera. You get live video and motion alerts all without modifying your door or wall. It is best for:

• Renters with no permission to drill
• Doors without traditional wiring
• Privacy-first installations

2. Ring Battery Doorbell

It is Ring’s budget-friendly doorbell option for renters who want minimal setup. This Ring Battery doorbell is an entry-level battery-powered device. It is lightweight and easy to install. The doorbell offers you an improved field of view and motion detection that helps you to monitor deliveries and visitors. It is best for

• First-time smart device users
• Renters who move often
• Those on a tight budget

3. Ring Video Doorbell 4 

This Ring Video Doorbell 4 offers flexible power options. It is versatile and can be powered by either batteries or wiring. It also includes video pre-roll technology and motion zones. These features make it a well-rounded device without any need of permanent installations. It is best for 

• Renters who may move and want flexibility
• Those who want better motion detection
• Users who might hardwire later

4. Ring Wired Doorbell 

It is a compact wired device. The Ring Wired doorbell is good for renters who have already existing doorbell wiring. For such renters, it is a simple and budget-friendly upgrade. It delivers reliable 1080p video and motion alerts without needing batteries. You can also remove it easily when moving out. It is best for

• Rentals with doorbell wiring already in place
• Renters who prefer no battery recharging
• A sleek, basic security upgrade

5. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus 

It is a premium doorbell setup for renters who want higher HD resolution. This Ring Battery doorbell plus modes offers color night vision and wider views. It also delivers better footage and smarter alerts. This makes it a great choice for renters who want a step up without permanent changes. It is best for 

• Renters who want higher video quality
• Those focused on package detection
• Users who want all-around performance without wiring

Conclusion

Crime prevention experts state that homes with visible cameras are less likely to be targeted. The police department also recommends visible surveillance. According to them, video doorbells and cameras act as crime deterrents. However, we must understand that Ringe doorbells alone cannot stop all crimes. They help in significantly reducing your chances of being an easy target.