Question:

“I want to make sure my mobile home is safe and secure. What steps can I take to protect it from theft?”

– Jason D. (50), Tampa, FL

Answer:

Protecting your mobile home against theft is important for your peace of mind. With a few reasonable and proactive steps, you can make your home safe, secure, and less appealing to burglars.

You can start by installing sturdy locks on doors and windows. Consider upgrading to deadbolt locks for doors and locking mechanisms for windows. For sliding doors, place a metal rod or dowel in the track to prevent forced entry.

Add outdoor lighting to your home. Motion-activated lights near entrances, windows, and other vulnerable areas can deter would-be thieves by making them visible. Solar-powered options are budget-friendly and easy to install.

Secure your skirting. Mobile homes often have skirting that can be removed, giving access to the underside of the home. Make sure your skirting is intact and locked where possible to prevent entry.

Install a security system. Modern options include affordable DIY systems with cameras, motion detectors, and alarms that you can monitor from your smartphone. Even placing a visible camera or a sign indicating a security system can deter criminals.

Don’t advertise when you’re away. Avoid leaving obvious signs that your home is unoccupied, like piled-up mail or newspapers. Consider using timers for lights to give the appearance that someone is home.

Keep valuables out of sight. Store valuable items like electronics or jewelry in places that aren’t easily visible from windows. Use blinds or curtains to prevent prying eyes from seeing inside.

Lastly, get to know your neighbors. Building relationships with the people in your mobile home community creates an informal neighborhood watch. Your neighbors are more likely to notice and report suspicious activity when they know who belongs in the area.

Overview:

  • Install strong locks on doors and windows.
  • Use motion-activated lighting to deter thieves.
  • Ensure skirting is intact and locked to block access to the underside of your home.
  • Consider installing a security system or visible cameras.
  • Don’t advertise when you’re away.
  • Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Build relationships with neighbors.