An audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device includes a camera, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, and a light sensor. A method receives a PIR sensor output signal from the PIR sensor, receives image data from the camera, and receives a light sensor output signal from the light sensor. The method determines, using the light sensor output signal and at least one of the PIR sensor output signal and the image data whether to activate recording of the image data, and upon determining to activate recording of the image data, generates an alert. The method transmits the alert to a client device associated with the A/V recording and communication device.