In the US, a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds. That's nearly 4,800 burglaries per day! If you really want to protect your valuables from these burglaries, you need to be as clever as possible. Thieves have gotten more informed about the common spots where people stash their belongings. Without further ado, here are the worst places to hide your valuables to prevent theft.

  

 

Worst Places To Hide Valuables

 

Here are the worst places to hide your valuables:

 

1) Drawers

 

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Most people assume that their belongings are safe in a drawer for some strange reason. If you're one of them, you should know that they're often the first place burglars look for when searching for cash and valuables. They're also the first thing to burn down during a house fire since they're made of wood. So avoid storing any type of valuables in them, including documents. Also, avoid all types of drawers including those with a false bottom, office drawers, and dressers.

 

2) Bedrooms

 

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Bedrooms, particularly under the mattress, have long been clichéd spots for hiding money. This makes them one of the first places a thief will investigate. The only valuables that you should consider placing in your bedroom are items you wouldn't regret losing.

Also, it's a bad idea to store valuables in your children's rooms as well. This might have seemed smart in the past, but now it's quite the opposite. Children's rooms are often filled with expensive items, such as video game consoles, TVs, tablets, and other electronic devices. With so many valuables already scattered around, a thief will likely spend more time in the room.

 

3) The Fridge and the Freezer

 

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The idea of using the fridge or freezer to hide valuables, camouflaged as frozen food or tucked away behind everyday items, is a tactic that's been romanticized by popular culture. While it might seem like a smart method, it's also well-known.

 

4) Toilet Tank

 

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The first person to hide treasures in a toilet tank was almost certainly a genius. I mean, who would think to look for cash, jewels, or other valuables there? When storing valuables in toilet tanks, most people use a waterproof container. However, because of movies and books, it's no longer the perfect hiding spot.

 

5) Closets

 

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Another thing that catches a burglar's attention is a closet. While it might seem smart to hide money among the clothes or in a pair of trousers, checking and throwing out all the clothes from a closet doesn't take much time. It's one of the worst hiding places, especially if what you're hiding is valuable. If your closet has a secret compartment or already comes with one, then it might be a safe place to keep your valuables hidden.

 

6) Medicine Cabinet

 

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You shouldn't keep anything too important in your medicine cabinet. Depending on the type of burglars you're dealing with, they might be on the lookout for prescription drugs. If they are, they could find other valuables you have there, and that's the last thing you want.

 

7) Laundry Basket

 

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You might think burglars won't bother looking through the laundry, preferring to search in cleaner, more obvious places. But that's not true at all. Burglars often check laundry baskets and can easily find hidden valuables there. Also, there's a risk that you or someone else might have forgotten to take out spare change or even your wallet from your pockets. So, it's best not to store any valuables in a laundry basket.

 

8) Vases and Pots

 

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Because they're simple containers with an open-top, empty vases, and pots are among the worst places for hiding valuables. They might be convenient for storing cash and other valuables, but they're far from secure. They're easy to see, and checking what's inside is even easier.

If you're looking for a more secure option, you can fill the vase with soil and put smaller items inside. You can use either a real or fake plant, but make sure to wrap your valuables well. Place the vase maybe in your living room or in a less obvious place. Avoid putting it on bookcases.

 

9) A Safe

 

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Robbers are instantly drawn to safes because they suggest there's something valuable inside. make sure it's either bolted down securely or cleverly hidden. You can also consider using a portable diversion safe if you're on a tight budget. Choose one that blends in with your home's decor, like TRAVAH's hairbrush and bottle diversion safe. These diversion safes can hold jewelry, money, keys, prescriptions, and other precious items in plain sight.

 

 

 

10) Garages

 

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The garage should be the last place to store anything valuable. It's already packed with pricey items like power tools, car parts, and maybe even the car itself. This makes it a prime target for burglars, especially the skilled ones.

 

11) Anything With a Lock 

 

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A thief will likely grab a locked box, no matter what's in it. They'll take it first and then check its contents later. Also, avoid keeping valuables in locked filing cabinets and cupboards since these locks tend to be flimsy and can easily be broken into. They're also one of the most common secret hiding places.

 

12) Handbags and Purses

 

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It's not a great idea to hide items and extra cash in your purse. Burglars often target purses and handbags since they're easy to pick up and search through later. Also, avoid keeping emergency cash in old wallets. It's better to keep it in a lockbox at the bank.

 

FAQs

 

Are there any recommended alternative hiding spots that burglars might overlook?

Yes, there are several unconventional hiding spots you can use. Some examples include hollowed-out books, false electrical outlets, inside household appliances and cat litter (only if they are not in common use), and even within the framework of furniture or a hollow core door.

 

What should I do if I suspect someone has discovered my hiding spot?

If you suspect that your hiding spot has been compromised, it's essential to move your valuable items to a new location immediately. Consider using multiple hiding spots and periodically changing them to minimize the risk of discovery.

 

Should I inform anyone else about my hiding spots?

It's generally best to keep the location of your hiding spots confidential, even from family members or trusted individuals.

 

Summary

 

To protect your valuables, it's important to think like a thief. Those who break into homes are often skilled professionals, so it's vital to be proactive. By knowing what to do and what not to do, you can improve your home's security.

For added protection, consider using Travah's diversion safes. Our safes are designed to keep your belongings out of sight and protected, even in the face of experienced burglars. Shop with us today.