These Hiding Spots Won't Fool Burglars: 10 Common Mistakes

It's natural to want to safeguard your valuables, but some of the most common hiding spots might not be as secure as you think. Burglars are often experts at locating hidden items, especially in places where people tend to stash things for quick access. By avoiding these high-risk hiding spots, you can better protect your possessions.

1. Under the Mattress

The mattress in the master bedroom is often the first place burglars look. It's a classic hiding spot for cash, jewelry, and even firearms. Thieves know this trick, and because the bedroom is typically where valuables are stored, they will make a beeline for it.

2. Bedroom Closet

Your closet may seem like a safe space for hiding items, but burglars are likely to search there next. They will rummage through clothing pockets, shoes, and even mislabeled boxes in search of valuables. Keeping high-value items in this space can make them an easy target for thieves.

3. Dresser Drawers

Dresser drawers are another hotspot for burglars. Whether valuables are stored in a jewelry box or tucked away in a sock, thieves are likely to check these places. Anything that seems valuable or out of place is fair game. A drawer may seem safe, but it's often one of the first places targeted.

4. Portable Safes

While safes are a good idea for storing valuable items, portable ones can be problematic. If they aren't bolted down, burglars may simply carry them off for later access. Safes that are too light or easily moved won't deter criminals.

5. Medicine Cabinets

Even though they seem unlikely spots, medicine cabinets are prime locations for thieves to search, especially for prescription pills that can be sold quickly for cash. If you store anything of value in or near your medicine cabinet, it might be worth reconsidering.

6. Freezer

Although it may seem like a clever idea, hiding valuables in the freezer has become too common, burglars are aware of this trick and may even search through food packages looking for items that seem out of place.

7. Vases

It may seem like an unconventional spot, but empty vases are not safe hiding places. Thieves may tip them over or even break them to see if anything is hidden inside. Keeping flowers in the vase may reduce suspicion, but it's still not a secure spot.

8. Office Drawers

Important documents like passports, birth certificates, or financial information are often stored in office drawers. Thieves can easily take these documents and use them to commit identity theft. Labeling files clearly for personal use may inadvertently make a burglar's job easier.

9. Suitcases

Stashing valuables in a suitcase might seem convenient, especially if it's not in use. However, thieves know to open suitcases when they find them in closets, knowing people often use them as makeshift safes.

10. Liquor Cabinets

Liquor cabinets can attract not only teenagers looking for alcohol but also burglars looking for valuables. Although it's not an obvious place to store things of value, thieves may still check this spot.

To protect your valuables, avoid these high-risk hiding spots. Instead, consider investing in more secure storage methods, like a heavy-duty safe that's bolted down. With a little foresight, you can reduce the chances of your belongings falling into the wrong hands.

References: 10 Hiding Spots Burglars Always Look First | 9 Hiding Spots Where Burglars Always Look First