You could post a sign "hidden video in place"
or something like that.
A camera-even video-won't prevent theft
and the recovery rate on stolen goods-even with video-is very very low.

However if you suspect the neighbor's kid-yeah it would work.
Show video to dad- he make good your loss.
Any video-motion activated and with low light capability will work to identify "Johnny from down the block"
I'm guessing that is what you have in mind-neighbor kids gone "bad"
Make sure you post a SIGN- "protected by video"
and CONCEAL IT of course
The sign-prominently displayed -might work as well as an actual video-cheaper and less work also.