Target Hardening Your Park Model

Target Hardening is done to strengthen a home to prevent break-ins while absent for longer periods.

Let's take a walk through view of how to do it.

1.    Dead Bolts – Keyed both sides leave key in when you occupy unit  

·         In while your In

·         Out when you’re not

Cylinder for key on both sides

Why?

• ·         Any entry through a window will mean they have to leave through a window.
• ·         A back door that has a window, they can’t just reach in and unlock the deadbolt.

• ·         In while you’re In - Important for your safety in case of fire!

2.    Keys, Access Gate Cards, Gate Openers

These can even be seen through the window!

• Do not ever leave keys or other access materials in conspicuous places like on a key hook. You have just given “them” the keys to the Kingdom and a motive to get them!

• The best practice in access control is to provide SUPERVISION TO ALL access materials, which means keep them where you can check on them.

• · Neighbors sharing keys to units. Retrieve your spare key from your neighbor at the end of season and provide it to them on return if you engage in this practice. So that his possible break-in doesn't become yours as well.

3.   Patio Doors and Other Windows

• Use 3/8” doweling or ½” PVC pipe cut to length to keep the door or window tight to the jamb when you are gone.
• When occupying your unit you can have a 2^nd piece of pipe cut to permit a small, no more than 6” opening at night to allow cool air to circulate.

  

  Note second piece of shorter pvc pipe available.

  
  

Also, place a wedge or screwdriver in the upper track above the window or door to prevent them from being lifted out of their track.

Screwdriver in top track prevents lifting out!

Slider stop clamps are another effective way to stop windows from being opened.

Slider Clamp right side prevents window being lifted

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Windows in Doors are vulnerable and should have double cylinder deadbolts installed.

A bad guy could break this window but still not get
entry with a double cylinder Deadbolt

4. Roll Shutters 

• Roll shutters can be an effective tool for security if installed correctly. Make sure they cannot be opened from the outside
  
  unless by secure keyway switch.
• Some installations I have seen on some shutters in the park have the lower sill angle iron stop turned so that the edge is open to anyone standing there.
  
  These can then be forced up, especially with the bumper handles attached.

5.    Patio Chairs

Chair serves as Stepping platform

Avoid leaving them outside as they can serve as step stools over the fence.

Place them instead right at the inside front of your shed to deter anyone who may have opened the shed up. They will have to work to move things out of the way.

This works for your unit at the patio door as well.

6. Patio tables    Great deterrent if they are flipped over and placed down in front of the patio door. 

Just makes the bad guys look for an easier target.

7.  Tools, Shovels and Rakes

Secure them in the shed before locking up. Oftentimes they can be used as makeshift pry bars.

8.  Ladders/Step Ladders

Ladders can provide the elevation needed to access higher windows. 

Store them out of sight in your shed or under your unit or lock them up with 7/16” minimum chain and padlock.