Mobile homes or manufactured homes are housing options that have developed a reputation for poor security. Fortunately, there are ways to boost home security and protect your precious belongings.
Eleven of the most effective ways to burglar-proof your mobile home are:
- Reinforce The Doors
- Secure The Windows
- Install Motion-Sensor Lighting
- Purchase a Fireproof Safe
- Install a Home Security System
- Add Security System Signage
- Secure Your Stairs
- Add a Video Doorbell
- Check For Weaknesses
- Use Light Timers Inside
- Speak To Your Neighbors
These mobile home security tips will keep burglars out of your property and bring peace of mind that you’re safe. Keep reading further to learn more about home security and how you can improve your mobile home.
Do Mobile Homes Have Weak Security?
Compared to a site-built home, a manufactured home is not as secure of an option for homeowners. The materials are typically less durable, and burglars can damage the property more easily. With the correct tools, a criminal can pry the mobile home doors.
However, times are changing, and mobile home designs are becoming safer. Modern technology is improving the security of manufactured homes. Builders are using better materials to make these properties hold up against harsh weather and burglars.
You can treat the security like a standard property if you have a newer manufactured home. With a few security improvements, you can keep yourself safe and reduce the chance of crime.
It’s best to remain cautious and add key security features that make criminals think twice. Don’t make your mobile home a target with lackluster security, and protect your valuables.
Mobile Home Crime Statistics
Unfortunately, there is proof that mobile home communities have higher crime rates than standard neighborhoods. Since manufactured housing is a cost-effective housing option, it attracts more crime than more affluent areas.
While there aren’t many studies covering crime in mobile home communities, there are some research papers. According to the MacroThink Institute, there was over double the crime rate in trailer parks compared to housing sites.
23% of the crimes in mobile home communities were property-related and proved the need for effective security. Low-income housing communities appear to have higher rates of crime in all categories.
However, these statistics don’t mean you have to live in fear as a resident of a mobile home community. These statistics should motivate you to boost your mobile home security and protect against property crime.
11 Ways to Burglar-Proof a Mobile Home
Reinforce The Doors
The most important feature of your mobile home that you should secure is the front and back door. When a criminal is looking to break in, they will most likely choose to enter through a door.
Most mobile homes have hollow doors that can be kicked and broken easily. You should replace your hollow door with a solid replacement for improved door security. If someone tries to pry open the door or kick it, it won’t budge.
While updating the door locks is important, you should look for superior security improvements. Installing a security door will reinforce your entrances and make it very difficult for criminals to enter the home.
Secure The Windows
When burglars can’t enter the home’s door, they typically shift their focus to the windows. Manufacturers make mobile home windows from inexpensive materials that easily break with a hit of a sharp tool.
If the window is not open, it should always remain locked. Ensuring you lock your windows throughout the day will reduce opportunities for criminals. Most burglars look for an easy opportunity to enter your home.
Additionally, you can secure windows against impacts by applying a security film to the window glass. When a burglar hits the window, the glass won’t shatter, preventing an opening for them to enter.
Install Motion-Sensor Lighting
Visibility is crucial for improving the safety around your home. Motion-sensor lighting is a convenient option that activates when the sensor detects movement in the area. If someone is hiding in the shadows, the bright light will expose them.
The light will alert you of someone’s presence and make them visible to neighbors around you. However, motion-sensor lighting isn’t an effective deterrent against crime and should be with other security measures.
Homeowners can easily install these motion-sensor lights with a few screws. Many products are battery-powered or solar-powered, requiring no additional electrical wiring to provide long-lasting light.
Purchase a Fireproof Safe
While a burglar may get into your mobile home, you can keep key items out of their hands. A fireproof safe with a keypad will make it difficult for criminals to pick up items that mean the most to you.
Some items you should keep in a fireproof safe are:
- Government Documents
- Money
- Jewelry
- Spare Keys
Most home invasions happen in a matter of minutes, so a criminal won’t spend their time trying to crack the code to your safe. Don’t make a burglary worse by not keeping your prized possessions secured.
Install a Home Security System
A home security system is a no-brainer if you want a reliable surveillance system around your mobile home. The security cameras pick up suspicious activity around the property and allow you to monitor your home.
There are numerous security system options on the market, from SimpliSafe to ADT security cameras. These security systems offer affordable wireless monitoring capabilities from a responsive 24/7 alarm monitoring company.
We recommend working with a reputable home security system company that offers convenient features. Many top brands offer options to view your cameras on your phone and get updated in real time about the safety of your home.
Add Security System Signage
If you don’t want to invest in an alarm or security camera, you can still give the impression you have one. Install signs from well-known security system companies that let them know someone is monitoring your home.
Some of the most common professional home security system brands on the market are:
- SimpliSafe
- Brinks Home Security
- ADT
- Ring
In most cases, a criminal will skip your home and look for others if they see your home is under surveillance. However, you should still have a backup plan if a security camera doesn’t deter the criminal.
Secure Your Stairs
Most mobile homes are elevated and have stairs leading to the front door. If you want to cut off access to your property, you need to secure your stairs. There are several ways to make stairs more secure, with the best method being a locked gate.
A locked gate adds another level of security to your property against burglars. A burglar will need to jump over the gate or find a way to pick the lock. You can install a porch enclosure if you want to take your security further.
Making a criminal go through two doors slows their crime and gives you a chance to contact the authorities. If you want superior results, you might have to go further than most homeowners are willing to go.
Add a Video Doorbell
Recently, the video doorbell has become a popular product that allows families to monitor who knocks on their door. You can speak with people through video doorbells with surveillance and audio capabilities.
There are several brands, but the most popular is the Ring Doorbell, owned by Amazon. These video doorbells notify you on your phone if someone is walking to your door and store them for viewing later.
Other options for a video doorbell are Nest and SkyBell, which are more cost-effective choices for homeowners. If you install a video doorbell, you should ensure it’s installed correctly to receive the best results.
Check For Weaknesses
Depending on the age of your home, there may be weaknesses that could lead to an easy entry into your home. You should check your entry doors and windows for warping or cracks in their frame.
If you are a homeowner in a humid climate, the weather can affect the integrity of your doors and windows. Frequently check the state of your home to ensure everything is in good condition.
Any structural weaknesses in your home can make it easier for someone to break into with a pry tool. For confirmation of the state of your mobile home, you can consult with an inspection company for help.
Use Light Timers Inside
For an innovative approach to protecting your home, there are light timers that you can install when you are away from your smart home. The timer will turn on indoor lights or a TV to give the impression you are home.
According to 24/7 Home Security, 60% of burglars said they would avoid a home if someone were home. Many criminals would rather avoid confrontation with a frightened homeowner who potentially has a weapon.
By adding this home automation product, you can turn on the lights indoors to signal you are home. Most homeowners should set a timer to turn on when they are away from work since most home invasions happen during the day.
Speak To Your Neighbors
Building relationships with your neighbors is a good way to have someone who keeps watch of your property. Home security should be a group effort that includes neighbors looking out for each other.
If you set up a home security system, you should include a camera pointed at your neighbor’s home for surveillance. By helping your neighbors with home security, they are more likely to help when you need assistance.
Additionally, it’s always great to have friendly neighbors and someone you can count on. While this isn’t a security measure, this is a helpful security tip that will help more than you can imagine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mobile homes are generally secure but have a reputation for being less safe than traditional homes. If you want to boost the security of a mobile home, you need to add equipment like an alarm, security camera, or window sensors. These security tools will give you monitoring capabilities to catch burglars.
When secured properly, a mobile home is difficult to break into and will give the homeowner time to call the authorities. However, you should ensure that the mobile home has no weaknesses that a criminal can exploit. Many homeowners don’t focus on security, leaving them vulnerable to home invasions.
Security systems are a great addition to any mobile home, with numerous options for homeowners looking to improve security. Some of the best home security systems you can install on housing are Ring video doorbells, SimpliSafe security cameras, and an ADT alarm system.
Conclusion
Security is crucial for every mobile home resident who wants to feel safe in their home. While mobile homes have a reputation for inferior security, you can make changes to improve the security.
Install proper surveillance cameras, window sensors, and reinforce the entry doors for superior protection. With these changes added, you can take control of your safety and make robbing your smart home difficult.
Do you own a mobile smart home? Let us know how you protect your smart home in the comments!