Setting up Security Cameras in Sprawling Park

[Theresa P.]

We recently bought a mobile home park that is in need of security cameras. It's a good size (50 lots) and is pretty spread out. Wired cameras don't seem to make a lot of sense in a park this big, but wireless cameras also seem like a problem because of the need for WiFi. Generally, do most people buy WiFi for the park in order to operate their security cameras? Or am I missing something?

[Frank Rolfe]

We own over 200 parks and we do not have security cameras in any of them, nor do 99% of all the operators I know. Security cameras only work on line of sight, and there are a lot of trees in parks so your field of view will be very small. Then there's the issue of who's going to watch them, and for what purpose. If you want to mount one somewhere in the park just to let you know the park is fine after a weather emergency, then that's fine, but it's not a standard management tool. You will be miles ahead instead getting regular monthly HD videos from a Polaroid Cube camera filmed by your manager, and to increase security lighting using solar streetlights and building better perimeter fencing (if needed).

[Theresa P.]

Wow - thank you! This is encouraging to hear. We have a supply shed that has been robbed multiple times since we've bought the park. We've tried several different locks and somehow, people continue to get in. Streetlights are a great idea. And our fencing could probably use a facelift as well. Thank you for your input. 

[Rachel H.]

@Theresa P. Most parks I know of just use security camera signs to deter suspicious activity. You could also look into setting up dummy cameras around the park. Hope that helps! 

[Autumn Rankin]

@Theresa P.  if its for 1 specific area you can buy a game camera and set up for line of sight. They have infrared night vision and you can change settings, no wifi required. 

[Frank Rolfe]

If you send a notice to all residents that you are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever broke in of say $500, they will turn on themselves and whoever did it will be terrified to do it again. Those type of crimes are typically inside jobs from someone who lives in the property and can therefore drive in without detection. Once you have a reward program, people will watch that building from every angle.

[Jason Mathew]

@Frank Rolfe  Great Idea!

[Isaac S.]

I was gonna say Claymore anti-personnel mine should do it! but, maybe just the game camera and the reward would be more reasonable.