Maintaining a safe home is a top priority for most people. However, even with locks and alarms, burglars can still find ways to gain entry. The real problem is that many people hide their valuables in places they think are clever, but these are often the first spots thieves check. Knowing the places burglars typically look first can help you make more informed decisions about where to store your valuable items. To protect your valuables, you need to think like a burglar. Here are the most common places burglars look first—and what you can do instead.
1. Master Bedroom
The master bedroom is usually the first stop for burglars. Most people keep their jewelry, cash, and essential documents in this room. Drawers, closets, and even under the mattress are common hiding spots. Thieves know this. If you keep valuables here, you’re making their job easy. Instead, store your most essential items in a less obvious room or use a safe that’s bolted down. Avoid leaving anything valuable in plain sight or the top drawer of your nightstand.
2. Dresser Drawers
Dresser drawers are a classic hiding place. Many people think their socks or underwear drawer is a safe spot for cash or jewelry. But burglars know this trick. They will pull out every drawer and dump the contents on the floor. If you must use a drawer, choose one in a less frequently used room, and avoid storing all your valuables in one place. Spread them out to make it harder for someone to grab everything at once.
3. Closets
Closets, especially in the master bedroom, are another favorite. People often hide valuables in shoeboxes, purses, or inside coat pockets. Burglars will search every shelf and box. They may even check inside the shoes. If you want to use your closet, consider a locked box or a diversion safe that looks like something ordinary. However, remember that closets are still one of the first places burglars look.
4. Nightstands
Nightstands are easy targets. Many people keep watches, wallets, or small electronics in the top drawer of their dresser. Burglars know this and will check nightstands right away. If you need to keep something close to your bed, use a locked drawer or a small safe. But for most valuables, pick a spot outside the bedroom.
5. Under the Mattress
Hiding things under the mattress is an old trick. It’s also one of the first places burglars look. They can lift a mattress in seconds and grab whatever is underneath. If you want to keep something safe, don’t use this spot. There are better options, like a safe or a hidden compartment elsewhere in the house.
6. Medicine Cabinets
Medicine cabinets are not just for medicine. People sometimes hide cash, jewelry, or even spare keys in these areas. Burglars know this and will open every cabinet in the bathroom. If you need to hide something in the bathroom, choose a less prominent spot, such as inside a sealed container under the sink. But even then, be careful—bathrooms are still high on the list of places burglars look first.
7. Freezers and Kitchen Cupboards
Some people hide valuables in the freezer, thinking it’s a clever idea. Others use kitchen cupboards or cereal boxes as storage containers. But these tricks are well known. Burglars will check the freezer, especially if it’s in the kitchen or garage. They may also look inside food containers or behind canned goods. If you want to use the kitchen, pick a spot that’s hard to reach or looks boring. But don’t rely on the freezer for anything valuable.
8. Home Office Desks
Desks are familiar places for essential documents, checkbooks, and electronics. Burglars will open every drawer and look behind the computer. If you have a home office, use a locked file cabinet or a safe. Don’t leave sensitive papers or devices unattended. And don’t assume a locked door will stop a determined thief.
9. Suitcases and Luggage
Suitcases are often easy to overlook, but many people use them to store valuable items. Burglars know this and will open every suitcase they find. If you must use luggage for storage, place it in a hard-to-reach spot, such as the attic. However, remember that suitcases are still one of the first places burglars look.
10. Behind Pictures or Wall Art
Movies make it look smart to hide things behind pictures or wall art. In reality, burglars will check behind every frame. If you use this method, ensure the hiding spot is not easily visible. Better yet, use a safe that’s built into the wall and covered by art. But don’t rely on a simple picture frame to keep your valuables safe.
11. Drawers in Kids’ Rooms
Some people think burglars won’t check kids’ rooms. However, experienced thieves are aware that parents sometimes conceal valuables in their children’s drawers or closets. They will search every room, including the kids’ spaces. Don’t use your child’s room as a hiding spot for essential items.
12. Garage and Toolboxes
Garages are often overlooked, but they can hold expensive tools, bikes, and even spare keys. Burglars will check toolboxes, cabinets, and storage bins. Keep your garage locked and don’t leave valuables in plain sight. If you have to store something valuable in the garage, use a locked cabinet or a safe.
More innovative Ways to Protect Your Valuables
Knowing the places burglars typically look first can help you make more informed choices about home security. Use a safe that’s bolted down, and don’t keep all your valuables in one spot. Consider using a bank safe deposit box for your most essential items. Install security cameras and good lighting around your home.
What unusual places have you used to hide valuables? Share your ideas or stories in the comments below.
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