Do Ring Doorbells Actually Deter Burglars? Here’s What the Data Says

Since its arrival, the Ring video doorbell has become one of the most popular smart home devices in America. Its premise is simple and powerful: see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door, from anywhere in the world. The company’s marketing heavily implies, and often outright states, that putting that little camera on your door is a powerful deterrent against burglars, package thieves, and other unwanted visitors. But does it actually work? Or is it just providing a false sense of security? As a former detective, I’ve learned to be skeptical of simple solutions to complex problems. So, I dug into the academic studies, police department data, and even the criminal mindset to find the real answer.

The Theory: Why a Camera at the Door *Should* Work

Before we look at the data, let’s understand the criminology. Most residential burglaries are not masterminded heists; they are crimes of opportunity. A burglar’s decision-making process is a simple risk-reward calculation. They are looking for an easy, unoccupied target with a low chance of being seen, identified, or caught.

A video doorbell fundamentally changes this calculation in three ways:

1. Increases the Risk of Identification: The number one thing a burglar wants is anonymity. A high-definition camera pointed directly at their face creates a permanent, shareable record of their identity. For most, this risk is too high.
2. Increases the Perceived Risk of Occupancy: The two-way talk feature means a homeowner can answer the door from anywhere. A burglar’s classic “knock test” to see if anyone is home is now unreliable. They can’t be sure if you’re on the couch or on vacation 1,000 miles away.
3. Increases the Effort Required: The burglar now has to consider covering their face, disabling the camera, or choosing a different entry point, all of which adds complexity and time to the crime, making your neighbor’s unprotected home a much more attractive target.

Examining the Evidence: What Do Police & Researchers Say?

The theory is sound, but what about the real-world results? Over the past decade, several studies and police department pilot programs have put these devices to the test.

Police Department Partnerships

One of the most cited examples is the partnership between Ring and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). In a pilot program, Ring provided doorbells to a neighborhood in Wilshire Park. The results were significant.

While we should be cautious—as Ring sponsored this program—the results have been echoed by other police departments nationwide. Law enforcement consistently reports that video footage from these devices is one of the most valuable tools for identifying suspects and making arrests after a crime has occurred, creating a reputation that criminals are well aware of.

The Burglar’s Perspective

Perhaps the most compelling evidence comes from burglars themselves. In a 2017 survey of 422 convicted burglars in Oregon, researchers asked what factors would deter them from targeting a home. The number one deterrent cited was the presence of a security camera. An overwhelming 83% of the offenders said they would try to determine if a home had an alarm or cameras, and 60% said they would seek a different target if they encountered them. In my own experience interviewing suspects, this holds true. The amateur, opportunistic burglar—who is responsible for the majority of residential break-ins—wants nothing to do with cameras.

Beyond Deterrence: How Ring Helps When a Crime Still Happens

Even the best deterrents sometimes fail. A determined or professional criminal might not be scared off. This is where a video doorbell’s value shifts from deterrence to investigation and recovery.

• High-Quality Evidence: Gone are the days of grainy, useless gas station CCTV footage. Modern Ring doorbells provide clear HD video, often with color night vision, that can be handed directly to police to identify a suspect.
• Community Watch 2.0: The Ring Neighbors app acts as a digital neighborhood watch. When a crime or suspicious activity is captured, users can share the footage with their community, alerting others and helping to crowdsource information that can lead to an arrest.
• Package Theft Recovery: While it may not always deter a “porch pirate,” having clear video of the theft makes filing a police report and getting a refund or replacement from retailers much easier.

A Layered Defense: Ring is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

As effective as a video doorbell is, it’s a mistake to think of it as a complete security solution. It’s the first layer of defense, not the only one. A truly secure home has multiple layers.

A smart doorbell guards your front door, but what about a back window, a side door, or your garage? Integrating your doorbell into a larger smart home security ecosystem provides comprehensive protection. This is where you can add motion-activated floodlights, window and door sensors, and additional cameras to cover blind spots. A video doorbell is just one of the top 10 smart home devices you should consider for a safe and automated home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Final Verdict

After reviewing the data and relying on two decades of experience in crime prevention, my conclusion is clear: a Ring doorbell is one of the single most cost-effective deterrents a homeowner can buy. It acts as a 24/7 digital security guard at your most vulnerable entry point. It’s not an impenetrable force field, and it won’t stop a highly motivated, professional criminal. But for the vast majority of opportunistic thieves who are looking for a soft target, the sight of that glowing blue ring is more than enough to make them turn around and find an easier mark. In the world of home security, that’s a significant victory.