How To Hide Items From Burglars?
Burglary is an opportunity-based crime. In addition, thieves don’t want to waste time searching through a house for valuables to take, so they just seek in certain obvious places. By concealing your valuables in less obvious locations—and occasionally even in plain sight—you can outwit them. The ideal places to hide assets, depending on the size and type of the item, are ones that robbers don’t want to look through or wouldn’t bother with, such as places that are awkward or challenging to search, dirty, or uninteresting. Secure your belongings with expert tips! Learn how to hide items from burglars effectively and safeguard your valuables at home.
Top 10 Clever Places You Haven’t Thought Of
Emptied Books:
Criminals may neglect books, making shelves with sparse volumes potential hiding spots. Build a substantial library for effective concealment.
Fake VHS Containers:
Utilize obsolete VHS tapes as diversion. Mimic the book strategy for added effectiveness, providing both diversion and security.
Innovative False Containers:
Craft false containers like food cans, cleaning product bottles, or a faux cat litter tub. Save money while maintaining the illusion.
Trash Can’s False Bottom:
Conceal valuables beneath a trash can’s false bottom or plastic liner, deterring burglars from rummaging through unlikely places.
Freezer’s Back Section:
Safeguard papers and money in the freezer’s back section, wrapped in plastic and foil—an inconspicuous spot with added fire resistance.
Wardrobe Floor Safe:
Invest in a bedroom floor safe for a secure location, deterring burglars with its weight and complexity. A challenging target for intruders.
Plant’s Interior:
Hide items beneath a house plant’s soil using a waterproof liner. Ensure water-resistant containers for concealed valuables.
Phony Wall Outlet:
Create a hidden space within a phony wall outlet. Ensure it’s non-functional and doesn’t obstruct electrical lines for safety.
Architectural Concealment:
Explore architectural elements for hiding spots, like wainscoting, floor panels, door jambs, window sills, and cabinet doors.
Garage Box Labeling:
Label boxes in the garage creatively—”Christmas Ornaments,” “Kid’s Clothes,” “School Projects.” Increase search difficulty with more labeled boxes.
Outsmart potential intruders with these creative hiding spots. Balancing diversion and security, these unconventional locations provide effective concealment for your valuables.
Avoiding Risky Hiding Places
In the pursuit of safeguarding valuables, it’s essential to avoid certain hiding places that pose potential risks. While creativity is encouraged, practicality and foresight play crucial roles in preserving the integrity of your belongings. Here’s a cautionary list of places to steer clear of:
Water-Prone Containers:
Avoid hiding items within containers susceptible to water damage, such as mayonnaise jars or paint cans. Even with waterproof containers, the risk of damage remains.
Jewelry Boxes:
Despite its traditional use, a jewelry box may not provide adequate security, especially for precious family heirlooms. Opt for safer alternatives for invaluable items.
Ordinary Drawers:
Common spots like underwear drawers, nightstands, or desk drawers are easily overlooked by burglars. Explore more inventive options for enhanced security.
CD and DVD Cases:
Thieves may still value physical CDs and DVDs. However, storing valuables in these cases risks complete destruction during a break-in.
Wall Safes:
While convenient, wall safes are often small and portable, making them vulnerable to theft. Choose the sturdier and less accessible floor safe for enhanced protection.
Photo Frames:
Ordinary photo frames with faux interiors are easily distinguishable hiding spots. Opt for more discreet alternatives to keep your valuables truly hidden.
Unconventional Containers:
Avoid using easily recognizable items like oatmeal containers, as these may attract unwanted attention. Opt for inconspicuous alternatives to maintain the element of surprise.
Electrical or Hot Objects:
Hiding valuables near electrical or hot objects like lamp bases, toaster ovens, or HVAC ducts poses fire risks. Prioritize safety by avoiding these potentially hazardous locations.
Secured Containers and Filing Cabinets:
Locked boxes or filing cabinets, regardless of their contents, may be taken during a burglary. Invest in alternative security measures to thwart determined intruders.
In the pursuit of a secure hiding spot, striking a balance between creativity and practicality is key. Prioritize options that not only conceal your valuables effectively but also minimize potential risks, ensuring the safety and integrity of your cherished possessions.
Securing Your Home: Essential Tips for Burglary Prevention
To safeguard your home and possessions:
Insurance Coverage:
Ensure valuables like computers and electronics are covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
Home Security Measures:
Invest in a certified home security system for comprehensive protection.
Implement password protection and GPS tracking on laptops and smartphones for potential recovery in case of theft.
Firearm Safety:
Secure firearms in certified gun safes, out of sight, ensuring resident safety and preventing theft.
Door and Window Security:
Place a pole in sliding glass patio doors to prevent forced entry.
Install burglar-proof window locks to allow ventilation without compromising security.
Exterior Door Safety:
Keep all exterior doors, including sliding glass patio doors and garage entry, locked.
Avoid hiding spare keys outside, and keep curtains or drapes closed to prevent valuables from being visible.
Social Media Caution:
Refrain from announcing absences on social media to avoid oversharing personal information.
Have trusted individuals check on your home, collect mail, and maintain the appearance of occupancy.
Exterior Lighting:
Install security/motion detectors and light timers for enhanced visibility outside the property.
Security Company Presence:
Display security company stickers on windows and doors as a deterrent, even if a security system is not in place.
By adopting these measures, you not only protect your belongings but also prioritize the safety of your home and loved ones. Burglary prevention is a shared responsibility, and these strategies contribute to minimizing the risks associated with opportunistic crimes.
Conclusion
Do your best to make your home a challenging, uncomfortable, and time-consuming target so that any would-be intruder will be forced to leave. Additionally, report any suspicious behavior on your street to the police to contribute to the safety of your community.