Lisa O
We all have those hidden spots where we stash our valuables, thinking they’re safe from thieves. But burglars are wise to these tricks. Even though we all hope to never face a break-in, knowing the usual places robbers check can help you keep your valuables better hidden. Here are 15 common hiding spots that burglars check first.
Under the Mattress
Hiding cash or jewelry under your mattress might sound like a smart move since it’s so easy to grab. But guess what? It’s also a classic spot burglars are totally aware of. They know a lot of people keep valuables there because it’s convenient. So even if it feels safe to you, it’s one of the first places a thief will check when they break in.
Inside the Freezer
Hiding cash or valuables in the freezer might seem like a clever trick, but burglars are onto this one. They’re not shy about digging through your freezer, even if it means a bit of extra work. So, keeping your valuables there isn’t the best move—they can easily be spotted. It’s smarter to pick a different hiding spot that’s less obvious.
In the Closet
Closets are a popular spot for hiding valuables because they seem private and hidden. But burglars know this trick well and often begin their search in closets. They’ll dig through clothing pockets, look behind hanging clothes, and might even check under the floorboards if they’re doing a thorough job. It’s not as secure as it might seem.
Behind Books on a Shelf
Hiding valuables behind books on a bookshelf might seem like a clever idea, but burglars are onto this trick. They know to pull out books and check behind or between them for anything hidden. Because it’s a common hiding spot, they’re likely to thoroughly check behind the bookshelves for anything that seems out of place.
In the Cookie Jar
Stashing cash or small valuables in a cookie jar might seem like a clever move, but burglars know this trick. They’re likely to check kitchen containers, including cookie jars, for hidden cash or goods. Thieves are aware that people often use food containers to hide small valuables, so this spot is also not as secure as you might think.
Under the Sink
Hiding valuables under the sink might seem like a smart idea, but it’s actually a pretty common spot burglars will check. They often look in cabinets under sinks in both the kitchen and bathroom, digging through any boxes or bags you might have stashed there. Since it’s such a predictable spot, it’s one of the first places thieves will investigate.
In a Fake Electrical Outlet
Fake electrical outlets meant to hide small valuables might seem like a smart trick, but they’re not completely foolproof. Burglars often know about these decoy outlets and might use tools to check them out. If a thief thinks something’s hidden behind a fake outlet, they’ll probably dig a little deeper, making this hiding spot less secure than you might hope.
Inside a Safe
Safes are designed to keep your valuables secure, and some even have password protection, but they’re not completely safe from burglars. Thieves are trained to look for safes and might come equipped with tools to break into them. If they find a safe during a break-in—they might use drills, pry bars, or other methods to get inside.
Behind Wall Paintings or Mirrors
Hiding valuables behind wall art or mirrors might seem clever, but it’s a spot burglars often check. We’ve all seen movies where a secret safe or door is hidden behind a painting or mirror. Well, thieves have seen those movies too. They know to move or remove artwork to see if anything is hidden behind it.
In a Drawer with Other Junk
Hiding items in a cluttered drawer might seem like a smart move, but it’s actually another common spot burglars check. They’re not deterred by the mess—in fact, they’ll sift through drawers packed with random things, searching for anything that looks out of place or might be hiding something valuable. And keep in mind: the messier the drawer, the more likely they are to dig through it.
Inside Old Electronics
Keeping valuables inside old electronics like radios or TVs might seem like a smart idea, but burglars are onto this trick. They know that people sometimes hide small valuables inside these items, so they’ll often check them. Thieves might open up or shake electronics to see if there’s anything hidden inside, making it a riskier hiding spot than you might think.
Under Floorboards
Hiding valuables under floorboards is an old-school trick, but it’s one that burglars are well aware of. Experienced thieves know to lift or pry up floorboards if they think something valuable might be hidden underneath. Even though accessing this spot can be a bit tricky, robbers will check it if they have enough time. If they’re in a hurry, though, your valuables might just stay safe.
In a Book Safe
Book safes, which look like regular books with hidden compartments, might seem like a clever hiding spot. But burglars know all about this trick. They often scan bookshelves for any unusual or fake books that might be hiding valuables. If they spot a suspicious book, they’re likely to pull it out and check it thoroughly for anything hidden inside.
In the Garden
Burying valuables in the garden might feel like a safe bet, but it’s a spot burglars sometimes check. They might dig around in outdoor areas if they think something’s buried there. Plus, garden tools and disturbed soil can give away the hiding spot, making it a less reliable place to hide your valuables.
Inside a Vault
Vaults are built to keep your valuables safe, but they’re not completely immune to burglary. Experienced thieves know to look for vaults and might use tools like drills or cutters to break into them. If a burglar finds a vault—they’re likely to put in the effort to get inside. So while a vault offers protection, it’s not the ultimate foolproof solution.