A residential burglary occurs every 41 seconds in the United States. Although this type of crime has decreased over the years, it is still a significant problem. Many homeowners think they have a good place to hide cash, jewelry, passports, and other valuables. However, experienced thieves have seen the same hiding places thousands of times before. What may seem private to you is often the first place a thief will look. That being said, there is one place to stash your valuables that experts agree is the best (and a few places to avoid altogether).
Why Many Traditional Shelters Fail
Many homeowners rely on familiar hiding spots because they seem simple and easy to remember. Unfortunately, criminals know that people often hide valuables under mattresses, inside drawers, on bedside tables, and inside wardrobes. Bedrooms are among the first rooms searched during a burglary because they often contain jewelry, money, and important documents. Burglars often check medicine cabinets, home office drawers, and containers that look like obvious hiding places.
So, what are the worst hiding places? Here are five places you should think twice about hiding your valuables…
- Under the mattress or bed. This is still one of the oldest and most unpredictable hiding places, making it a favorite of burglars. Studies cited by security experts have found that most thieves check here almost immediately.
- Jewelry boxes and dresser drawers. These areas are so common that burglars often go straight for them when they enter a room. Valuables left out in the open or loosely hidden between clothes are particularly vulnerable.
- Refrigerators and pantry containers. Although many people believe it is smart to hide money in food packages, burglars are becoming more and more familiar with these tactics. Refrigerators, cereal boxes, and decorative dishes are often searched during residential burglaries.
- Portable home safes. A small safe may seem secure, but if it is not locked, thieves can easily take it and open it later. Portable safes often give a false sense of security.
- Behind the pictures or inside the obviously fake containers. Hidden rooms only work if they are really unexpected. Many criminals are able to detect wall art, fake rocks, and other popular camouflage products.
The Smartest Place to Hide Valuables
The smartest place to hide valuables is often not a “hiding place” at all. Security experts often recommend using a properly installed, fire-rated safe that is bolted to the structure of the home and placed in an unexpected location. Rather than keeping it safe in the first bedroom closet, experts often suggest placing it in a high-traffic area such as a linen closet, guest bedroom closet, or hidden built-in closet. A well-secured safe provides protection not only against theft but also against fires, water damage, and accidental loss.
Besides a safe, you can also choose to hide things “in plain sight.” Most thieves want to get in, get valuables quickly, and leave before they attract attention. Because of this, spaces that seem boring, cluttered, or irrelevant are often less attractive than bedrooms and home offices. Some homeowners use hidden rooms within common furniture or storage areas that don’t immediately draw attention. Success comes from making the search take longer than the hacker is willing to spend.
More Ways to Protect the Most Important
Even the best shelter shouldn’t be your only layer of protection. It is recommended that you keep an inventory of your valuables, including photos and serial numbers, whenever possible.
Visual alarm systems, cameras, motion lights, and strong door and window security can also deter burglars before they enter your home. Many burglars look for warning signs and may avoid homes that appear secure.
Protecting More Than You Have
At the end of the day, the best places to hide valuables will be the most secure. Avoid any place that criminals already know by heart (like under the mattress). Home security is not about having the perfect privacy. It’s about making theft difficult, time-consuming, and dangerous for the criminal. A layered approach that includes stealth, physical security, and deterrence provides the best protection.
Where do you keep your valuables at home, and have you changed your hiding place after learning how burglars think? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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