Diversion safes are not perfect but they are indeed effective. I mean think about it—would you rather leave your valuables out in the open or hide them somewhere a potential thief would probably not discover? Most people would probably choose the latter option. But like we said before, it's not a perfect solution but there are ways you could make them more effective.
Why Are Diversion Safes So Effective?
When someone breaks in, they’re in a rush and looking for the usual hiding spots—drawers, closets, under the bed. They’re not going to start digging through a can of beans or pulling books off your shelf. That’s why diversion safes are so effective. They hide your valuables in plain sight since they look like everyday household items and throw off anyone who might be snooping around.
The Most Effective Diversion Safes
Some diversion safes work way better than others. Here are a few that are effective:
Can Safes
These look just like regular cans (soda, soup, you name it!) you’d find in a pantry. They’re perfect for hiding smaller valuables, especially if you stash them with similar items in your kitchen.
Wall Clock Safes
These look like basic wall clocks on the outside but have a hidden compartment on the inside. Since it’s up on the wall, thieves are less likely to think twice about it.
Book Safes
This one’s a classic. They look like regular books but have a hollow interior to hide valuables. You can place them on your shelf with other books, and it’s almost invisible.
Hair Brush Safes
For something small, like cash or a few rings, hairbrush safes work surprisingly well. They look exactly like an ordinary hair brush but they'll have a hidden interior in the handle which you can open up. Most people wouldn’t dream of looking through bathroom items for valuables.
Outlet Safes
These are clever because they look like an electrical outlet but have a hidden compartment. Just install it on a wall with other outlets, and it’s basically invisible.
Candles with Hidden Compartments
Candle diversion safes offer a hidden compartment underneath the wax. It looks like something you’d actually use, which makes it even less suspicious.
How to Make Diversion Safes More Effective
Credit: Envato Elements/ AntonioGravante
If you want to get the most out of your diversion safes, there are a few things you can do to make them even more effective:
Choose Items That Blend with Their Surroundings
Make sure whatever you use as a diversion safe fits naturally with the other items in that area. For instance, if you’re hiding valuables in a fake can of soup, put it in the pantry with other food cans. A book safe should be placed among other books, not on an empty shelf. The key is to make it look like it belongs there, not out of place.
Avoid Obvious Hiding Spots
Thieves often head straight to common hiding spots like the bedroom, closets, or bedside tables. Try using rooms or areas they’re less likely to check. Laundry rooms, basements, or garages work well for diversion safes because they’re usually not high on a thief’s list to search.
Mix Up Your Hiding Spots
Don’t put all your valuables in one place. It’s safer to have a few different diversion safes scattered around the house. If one hiding spot is found, at least you’ll still have others that are secure.
Use Everyday Items with Weight or Liquid
A completely empty can or hollow item might give itself away if it feels lighter than it should. Try to choose diversion safes with some weight to them or fill them with something to make them feel normal when handled. For example, a hollow book can have some loose papers inside to make it feel like it has pages. This makes the item feel more real and less suspicious if anyone does pick it up.
Keep It Low-Key
Avoid frequently handling or moving your diversion safes around. The more they’re touched, the more you risk drawing attention to them. Set them up in their spots, and leave them there like any other ordinary household items.
Don’t Rely on Just One
Diversion safes are effective, but using them along with a few other security measures can make a big difference. Consider adding a small, traditional safe in a hidden area or using home security systems like cameras or alarms. Diversion safes are just one layer in a smart home security setup.
Are Diversion Safes Safe for Storing High-Value Items?
They may not be the best choice for storing high-value items like expensive jewelry, large amounts of money, rare collectibles, or other valuables. For these types of valuables, use a traditional safe or a bank safety deposit box.
Summary
So, are diversion safes effective? It depends on what you use them for. For small, easily hidden valuables, a diversion safe can be a good solution. However, they are not a foolproof method and should be used alongside other security measures for the best results.
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