Complete Gardening
When it comes to safeguarding your valuables, understanding the mind of a burglar can be your best defense. Burglars often follow a predictable pattern when searching homes, targeting those spots most likely to house hidden treasures.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the 20 most common places burglars check for valuables, offering insights and advice on how to better protect your possessions.
By knowing these key locations, you can take proactive steps to secure your home and outsmart potential intruders.
1. Master Bedroom Dresser
Burglars often target the master bedroom first, as it’s a common location for valuable items like jewelry and cash. The dresser is a prime spot because people tend to place personal items there. Thieves know this and will quickly rifle through drawers.
To protect your valuables, consider using a safe for important items. Additionally, avoid storing valuables in obvious places within the dresser, such as the top drawer.
Disguise your hiding spots by placing items in less predictable areas. This simple change can help deter quick theft.
2. Living Room Entertainment Center
In many homes, the living room is where most electronics and entertainment devices are stored. Burglars know the entertainment center often contains pricey gadgets and sometimes hidden cash. They will check the cabinets and drawers for valuables.
Secure your electronics with proper mounting and locking mechanisms. Also, avoid leaving small gadgets or loose cash in these areas. By keeping this space organized and less predictable, you can diminish the likelihood of theft.
Consider using inconspicuous storage solutions to hide valuable items effectively.
3. Home Office Desk
The home office is a goldmine for personal information and sometimes cash. Burglars frequently search desks, knowing people stash checks, cash, or even small electronics in drawers.
Protect yourself by not leaving important documents or money in plain sight. Invest in a secure filing cabinet or a small safe to store critical items. Regularly organize your desk to avoid creating easily accessible hiding spots.
By making these changes, you can better safeguard your office space and the valuable information it holds, preventing identity theft and loss of valuables.
4. Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchens might not seem like an obvious choice, but burglars know some people hide money or jewelry in cookie jars or cans. They will scan your cabinets for anything out of place.
Avoid using the kitchen as a hiding spot for valuables. Instead, keep everyday items in cabinets and use a secure location for precious items. This strategy not only protects your valuables but also helps keep your kitchen organized.
By understanding the kitchen’s appeal to burglars, you can take steps to deter their search and protect your possessions.
5. Bathroom Medicine Cabinet
Burglars sometimes target the bathroom medicine cabinet in search of prescription drugs, which can be easily sold. They might also look for small valuables hidden there.
Make it a point not to store valuables in the bathroom.
If you must keep medication, consider a locked cabinet or a hidden safe. This not only protects your valuables but also ensures prescription drugs are kept out of the wrong hands.
Understanding the bathroom’s vulnerabilities helps you develop smarter storage solutions and prevent theft.
6. Bedroom Closet
Closets, especially in the master bedroom, are common targets for burglars. They know people hide cash, jewelry, or even safes inside. The clutter in a closet can make it easier for burglars to search without being noticed.
To enhance security, keep your closet organized and avoid hiding valuables in obvious places.
Consider using diversion safes or hidden compartments. By maintaining a neat space and using creative storage solutions, you can reduce the likelihood of theft and protect your most treasured possessions effectively.
7. Garage
The garage is often overlooked, yet burglars know it’s a potential goldmine. They might find tools, bikes, electronics, or hidden cash in there. An untidy garage makes it easier for thieves to spot valuables.
Keep your garage organized and lock away expensive tools or equipment. If you store valuables there, consider a secure safe or locked cabinet.
By maintaining order and using secure storage solutions, you can protect your items and make your garage less enticing to burglars.
8. Basement
Basements are another spot burglars will investigate, looking for hidden cash or rare valuables. They know people often store lesser-used items and sometimes stash money here.
Organize your basement and avoid using it for storing valuables. If you must, use a safe or locked storage for important items. This not only safeguards your possessions but also keeps your basement tidy.
By understanding the basement’s appeal to burglars, you can take steps to deter them and secure your valuable items more effectively.
9. Under the Bed
Under the bed is a classic hiding spot, but burglars know to check there. People often slide boxes or safes underneath, thinking they’re out of sight. However, thieves will quickly look under for hidden treasures.
Avoid keeping valuables under your bed, especially in easily accessible boxes. If you must store items there, use a secure lockbox. By changing your storage habits, you can protect your belongings and make it harder for burglars to find anything worth taking.
10. Laundry Room
The laundry room may not seem like a valuable target, but burglars will check here for hidden cash or small valuables. They might search cabinets or machines for cleverly concealed items.
Ensure your laundry room doesn’t become a hiding spot for valuables. If you need to store something valuable, consider a safe or a locked cabinet.
Keeping this area tidy and free from valuables can deter burglars and protect your possessions, ensuring your laundry room remains a place for chores, not theft.
11. Attic
Attics are often used for storing holiday decorations and memories, but burglars know they can also hide valuables. They will look through boxes hoping to find treasures overlooked.
Keep your attic organized and avoid hiding valuables there. If necessary, use a secure safe for important items. This not only protects your valuables but also helps maintain the attic’s intended storage purpose.
By understanding the attic’s attraction to burglars, you can take steps to deter their search and secure your possessions.
12. Hallway Closet
Hallway closets may seem unassuming, but burglars know they sometimes hide small safes or cash. The chaos within these spaces can make it easy for intruders to search unnoticed.
Keep your hallway closet tidy and avoid storing valuables there. If you must, use a diversion safe or hidden compartment.
By maintaining order and using inconspicuous storage, you can protect your items and reduce the likelihood of them being discovered during a break-in. This simple strategy enhances your home’s overall security.
13. Garden Shed
Garden sheds are often overlooked, yet burglars know they can store tools, bikes, or hidden valuables. They will search for anything that can be easily taken or sold.
Keep your shed organized and lock away expensive tools or equipment. If you hide valuables there, consider a secure safe or locked cabinet.
By maintaining order and using secure storage solutions, you protect your items and make your shed less enticing to thieves. This not only secures your tools but also enhances your property’s overall security.
14. Patio Furniture
Patio furniture may appear harmless, but burglars know people often hide spare keys or small valuables outside. They will search under cushions or in planters for hidden items.
Avoid using your patio as a hiding spot for keys or valuables. Instead, consider more secure options like a lockbox. By understanding the patio’s vulnerabilities, you can develop smarter storage solutions and prevent theft.
This not only protects your home but also ensures your outdoor space remains a relaxing oasis, free from the threat of intrusion.
15. Storage Room
Storage rooms are often cluttered, making them a target for burglars. They know people might stash cash or valuables among the chaos. Thieves will sift through boxes hoping to find hidden treasures.
Keep your storage room organized and avoid hiding valuables there. If necessary, use a diversion safe or locked cabinet. This not only safeguards your possessions but also helps keep your storage space tidy.
By understanding the storage room’s appeal to burglars, you can take steps to deter them and protect your valuable items effectively.
16. Wall Safes Behind Artwork
Wall safes are clever, but burglars know to check behind artwork for hidden safes. They will scan the walls for signs of concealment. Ensure your wall safe is well-hidden and locked.
Consider using creative camouflage, like placing the safe in less predictable areas. By securing your wall safe effectively, you can protect your valuables and outsmart potential intruders.
This extra layer of security ensures your prized possessions remain safe, even if a burglar suspects their presence.
17. Under Floorboards
Under the floorboards might seem like a clever hiding spot, but savvy burglars will check there for hidden valuables. They know people sometimes stash cash or jewelry beneath.
Avoid using this area for valuable storage, especially if it’s easily accessible. If you must store items, ensure it’s in a secure compartment.
By reconsidering your storage choices, you can protect your valuables and reduce the risk of them being discovered during a break-in. This proactive approach enhances your home’s overall security and peace of mind.
18. Bookshelves
Bookshelves can hide more than literature. Burglars know some people use hollowed books to store cash or small valuables. They will scan for irregularities among the books.
Avoid using obvious fake books for storing valuables. Opt for less predictable hiding solutions, like using a safe disguised as a book.
By keeping your bookshelf organized and unpredictable, you can protect your valuables and make it harder for thieves to find anything worth taking. This ensures your love for books doesn’t become a liability during a break-in.
19. Refrigerator
Refrigerators might not seem like a target, but burglars know people sometimes hide cash or small items inside. They will check for anything out of place.
Refrain from using your fridge as a hiding spot for valuables. Instead, maintain its primary function for food storage. By understanding the fridge’s appeal to burglars, you can take steps to deter their search and secure your possessions.
This not only protects your valuables but also ensures your kitchen remains organized and focused on culinary delights.
20. Aquariums
Aquariums add beauty, but burglars know some hide valuables in or around them. They will search for hidden compartments at the base.
Avoid using your aquarium as a hiding spot for valuables. If necessary, ensure any hidden compartment is secure and discreet.
By keeping your aquarium’s focus on aquatic life rather than storage, you protect your possessions and maintain the tank’s aesthetic appeal.
Understanding this vulnerability helps you develop smarter storage solutions and prevent theft, ensuring your home remains both beautiful and secure.