The only way it will get stolen is if the person cuts down the tree. It has a cable that goes around the tree and is locked inside the back of the cam. It also has a 4 in. screw that goes through the cam into the tree. In order to get to the screw or the cable they have to get the lock off of the bottom of the cam. I am not afraid of mine being stolen, but am afraid that after they try and not succeed that they will just bust the cam up. I know they wont get it off of the tree. Are you on private property? If so you should have any problem. Also put it in the thickest spot in the woods so that it is more likely to not be found. The thick spots are where the big bucks live anyway. Any more questions please ask. I promise if you buy a Cuddeback you will not regret it.