When we imagine a burglary, we often picture thieves making off with a giant flat-screen TV. The reality, however, is much different. Burglars are not movers; they are opportunists looking for a quick score. They want to be in and out of your home in under ten minutes.
To do this, they follow a predictable script. They target small, high-value items that are easy to carry and quick to sell. Many of these are seemingly innocent things you might not even think to protect. Knowing the top items burglars always look for can help you outsmart them.
1. The Jewelry Box on the Dresser
The master bedroom is almost always the first room a burglar searches. And the first thing they look for in that room is the jewelry box. It’s a cliché for a reason: it’s where most people keep their most valuable, portable assets. Leaving it in plain sight on a dresser is like putting out a welcome mat.
Instead, store valuable jewelry in a less obvious place. A safe is ideal, but even a simple box tucked away in a child’s messy closet or a basement storage bin is a better option. The key is to avoid the most predictable location.
2. Prescription Medications
Your medicine cabinet contains more than just aspirin. It can be a treasure trove for thieves. Prescription drugs, particularly painkillers, sedatives, and ADHD medications, have a high resale value on the street. A burglar can grab an entire bottle in seconds.
Don’t make it easy for them. Avoid storing these medications in the obvious bathroom cabinet. Consider a small, lockable box kept in a more secure location. This not only protects you from theft but also keeps them safe from children or visitors.
3. Personal Documents and Mail
Today’s burglars are often after more than just your stuff; they want your identity. They will quickly scan your desk or kitchen counter for passports, Social Security cards, blank checks, and bank statements. A stack of mail is a goldmine for identity thieves.
These documents are among the most crucial items burglars always look for. Invest in a fireproof lockbox or a small home safe for your most important papers. Get in the habit of shredding any mail that contains personal information before you throw it away.
4. The “Hidden” Spare Key
That spare key under the doormat, inside the fake rock, or on top of the door frame isn’t fooling anyone. Burglars know all the common hiding spots because everyone uses them. Finding that key is like being handed a personal invitation to walk right in.
Ditch the easily discoverable spare key. A better solution is to give a spare to a trusted neighbor. If that’s not an option, consider investing in a high-quality keypad lock, which eliminates the need for a physical key altogether.
5. Small Electronics and Their Chargers
Your giant television is probably safe. It’s too big and awkward to carry. However, your laptop, tablet, smartphone, and gaming consoles are perfect targets. They are lightweight, valuable, and easy to reset and sell.
When you leave for the day, don’t leave your small electronics sitting out in plain view. Tuck them away in a drawer or closet. This simple step makes a quick “smash and grab” burglary less profitable and might encourage a thief to move on.
6. The Cash Stash Drawer
Many people keep a small emergency cash fund at home. Unfortunately, most of us choose the same predictable hiding spots. The sock drawer, under the mattress, or in a desk drawer are the first places a burglar will check for cash.
If you choose to keep cash at home, get creative. Think of a location that is both inconvenient and uninteresting. Consider the inside of a hollowed-out book on a packed bookshelf or a container in the back of the freezer.
Make Your Valuables Inconvenient
You don’t need a high-tech security system to make a burglar’s job harder. The goal is to be less predictable. Thieves are working against the clock, so anything you can do to slow them down increases the chance they’ll just give up.
By avoiding the obvious hiding spots for the key items burglars always look for, you are creating friction and frustration. A few simple changes in your habits can make all the difference between being a target and being left alone.
What’s the most creative hiding spot you’ve ever heard of? Share it in the comments!
What to Read Next…
- 8 Odd Places Criminals Hide Before Breaking into Houses
- Burglars Always Check These 7 Unexpected Spots First—Are You Hiding Valuables There?
- 10 Safety Tricks Burglars Don’t Want You to Know
- 7 Creepy Home Break-In Tactics Burglars Swear By
- 7 Ways to Spot Depression in Someone Who Is Good at Hiding It
The post 6 Innocent Household Items Burglars Always Look For First (And Why You Should Hide Them) appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
