When it comes to protecting our homes and valuables from burglars, we often focus on securing the obvious entry points and hiding our most precious items in plain sight. But, have you ever stopped to think about where burglars don’t look for valuables? Knowing these secret hiding spots can give you an edge in keeping your possessions safe from prying eyes.
Understanding the Mindset of a Burglar
Before we dive into the hidden spots that burglars tend to overlook, it’s essential to understand the mindset of a typical burglar. Most burglars are opportunistic, meaning they look for easy targets and quick scores. They usually work quickly, often under the pressure of time, and tend to focus on visible, easily accessible areas.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2019, there were an estimated 1.3 million burglaries in the United States alone, with the majority (61.6%) occurring during the daytime. This statistic highlights the importance of being proactive in protecting your home and valuables, even when you’re not there.
Less-Obvious Hiding Spots
Now that we’ve established the typical burglar’s mindset, let’s explore some less-obvious hiding spots that they might not think to look:
Inside Hollowed-Out Books
Think like a secret agent from a spy novel and hollow out a book to create a hiding spot for small valuables like jewels, cash, or important documents. Choose a book that’s not easily noticeable, like a dusty old volume on a high shelf.
Behind a Fake Outlet Plate
Install a fake outlet plate with a hidden compartment behind it. This is an excellent spot for stashing small items like a spare key, some cash, or a tiny USB drive. Just make sure to choose a plate that blends in with the surrounding décor.
Inside a False Bottomed Drawer
Create a false bottom in a drawer using a piece of wood or cardboard, and store valuable items like jewelry, important papers, or a small safe. This is an especially good spot for hiding items that you need quick access to, like a spare set of keys.
Unused or Hard-to-Reach Areas
Burglars often focus on the most accessible areas of your home, so consider hiding valuables in unused or hard-to-reach spots:
Attic or Garage Storage
Store valuable items like seasonal decorations, out-of-season clothing, or important documents in labeled containers or bins in your attic or garage. These areas are often overlooked by burglars, and you can easily retrieve your items when needed.
Behind Furniture or Appliances
Take advantage of the dead space behind large furniture or appliances, like the fridge or washing machine. You can store small items like important documents, a spare key, or even a small safe in these areas.
Inside a Fake Can or Container
Use a fake can or container, like an empty coffee can or a hollowed-out hairspray bottle, to store small valuables like jewelry, cash, or keys. Just be sure to choose a container that blends in with your kitchen or bathroom decor.
Secure Storage Options
While hiding spots can be useful, it’s essential to have a secure storage option for your most valuable items. Consider investing in:
A Home Safe
A home safe is an excellent way to store valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and large sums of cash. Choose a safe that’s specifically designed for home use and consider anchoring it to the floor or wall for added security.
A Safe Deposit Box
A safe deposit box at a bank or secure storage facility is an ideal location for storing valuable items like family heirlooms, important documents, or large sums of cash. These boxes are typically protected by multiple layers of security and are accessible during banking hours.
Additional Security Measures
While hiding spots and secure storage options are crucial, don’t forget to implement additional security measures to protect your home and valuables:
Outdoor Lighting
Install motion-sensitive outdoor lighting to deter burglars and make it harder for them to approach your home without being seen.
Security Cameras
Install security cameras at strategic points around your home, such as the front door, backyard, or garage. This can help deter burglars and provide valuable evidence in case of a break-in.
Neighborhood Watch
Participate in your local neighborhood watch program to keep an eye on suspicious activity and report any incidents to the authorities.
Smart Home Devices
Invest in smart home devices like door sensors, smart locks, and motion detectors to stay connected to your home and receive alerts in case of unusual activity.
Conclusion
Protecting your home and valuables requires a multi-layered approach. By understanding the mindset of a burglar and using creative hiding spots, secure storage options, and additional security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in. Remember to stay one step ahead of potential burglars by being proactive and constantly evaluating your home’s security.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your valuables safe and your home secure. So, think outside the box (or inside a hollowed-out book!), and get creative with your hiding spots. Your peace of mind is worth it.
| Security Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Lighting | Motion-sensitive lighting to deter burglars and improve visibility |
| Security Cameras | Strategically placed cameras to deter burglars and provide evidence |
| Neighborhood Watch | Participate in local neighborhood watch programs to stay informed and report incidents |
| Smart Home Devices | Door sensors, smart locks, and motion detectors to stay connected and receive alerts |
Where is the best place to hide valuables in my home?
The best place to hide valuables in your home is in a location that is not easily accessible or suspected by potential burglars. Consider hiding small items like jewelry, cash, or important documents in clever spots such as inside a hollowed-out book, within a fake electrical outlet, or behind a loose baseboard. For larger items, consider storing them in a secure location like a safe or a locked cabinet.
Remember to choose a hiding spot that is difficult to find, but not so difficult that you forget where you put your valuables. It’s also important to keep in mind that burglars often look for hidden safes and locked cabinets, so it’s best to get creative and think outside the box.
Are there any common mistakes people make when hiding valuables?
One common mistake people make when hiding valuables is placing them in obvious locations such as under their mattress, in a desk drawer, or inside a jewelry box. These are the first places burglars will look, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. Another mistake is hiding valuables in a single location, making it easy for a burglar to find everything at once. Instead, consider spreading your valuables out across multiple locations to minimize the risk of loss.
Additionally, people often forget to keep their hiding spots clean and tidy. Leaving clutter or mess around a hiding spot can attract attention and raise suspicions. Make sure to keep your hiding spots organized and inconspicuous to avoid drawing attention to them.
Can I hide valuables in plain sight?
Yes, hiding valuables in plain sight can be an effective way to keep them safe from burglars. This can be done by displaying fake or worthless items in a prominent location, while hiding the real valuables in a less obvious spot. For example, you could display a few pieces of costume jewelry on a dresser, while hiding your valuable pieces in a nearby vase or decorative container.
The key to successfully hiding valuables in plain sight is to make the fake items look convincing and attention-grabbing, while keeping the real valuables discreet and out of sight. This can be a clever way to distract burglars and protect your most valuable possessions.
Are there any specific hiding spots that are more effective than others?
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for hiding valuables, there are some hiding spots that are more effective than others. For example, hiding spots that are difficult to access, such as high shelves or behind heavy furniture, can be effective. Hiding spots that are hard to see, such as inside a fake can or behind a mirror, can also be effective.
Additionally, hiding spots that are not typically associated with valuables, such as inside a kitchen utensil drawer or behind a bathroom cabinet, can be good options. The key is to think creatively and choose hiding spots that are unique to your home and lifestyle.
Should I tell anyone where I’m hiding my valuables?
It’s generally best not to tell anyone where you’re hiding your valuables, including family members and close friends. The more people who know where your valuables are hidden, the higher the risk of the information getting out. This is especially true if you have a large or extended family, or if you have friends who may have questionable acquaintances.
However, it’s a good idea to make a record of where you’ve hidden your valuables and store the record in a safe location, such as a secure online storage service or a locked safe deposit box. This way, you’ll be able to access the information if you need to, but it will remain private and secure.
How often should I change the location of my hidden valuables?
It’s a good idea to change the location of your hidden valuables periodically to keep them safe and secure. This is especially true if you have a burglar alarm system or security cameras that may have been compromised. Consider changing the location of your valuables every 6-12 months, or whenever you make changes to your home or security system.
When changing the location of your hidden valuables, make sure to update your record of where they’re hidden and destroy any evidence of the previous location. This will help ensure that you can remember where your valuables are hidden, while keeping them safe from potential burglars.
What if I have a large or bulky item that I need to hide?
Hiding large or bulky items can be more challenging than hiding small items, but there are still ways to keep them safe. Consider using a large, secure storage container or a locked cabinet to store bulky items like electronics or tools. You can also consider hiding large items in a garage, attic, or basement, as long as they’re not easily accessible or visible.
Another option is to disassemble or break down large items into smaller components, making them easier to hide in smaller spaces. Just be sure to keep a record of how to reassemble the item and store the components in a secure location.