I leave my ladders out all year most of the time.
I have some that have been in the same tree for 5 or 6 years.
I haven't had any stolen yet.

I have also put them up,climbed in and shot deer that same day.

Mine are all the cheap Cabela's ones. I think I have about 60.00 in them per stand so if someone does steal them it's not the end of the world. I'd just go get another.
I have 8 of them and love them.