We all have secret nooks where we think our valuables are safe from prying eyes, but burglars know where to find them. While everyone hopes they never find themselves robbed, understanding the common areas that a burglar will check can be valuable information in preparing and hiding your most precious items.
The Medicine Cabinet
People might think the medicine cabinet is an odd place for a burglar to check, as this is an area where medicinal items are stored. While people often put regular things like contact lenses in here, burglars will also look for prescription medication because it can be sold easily. At the same time, they’ll also take anything else that might be worthwhile if someone hides it here, as it’s an easy place to take things from.
Inside the Freezer
Hiding cash or valuables in the freezer may seem clever, but burglars know this trick. They often rummage through the freezer, looking for hidden treasures, even if finding them takes a little work. This is why it’s not worth the effort to store valuables in this location, to begin with: They can easily be found.
Office Drawers
Documents such as passports, birth certificates, and bank statements are often stored in office drawers because they’re easily accessible, and people can remember where they are. Still, these items are a goldmine for identity thieves, and the wrong person getting their hands on them can cause havoc to someone’s life, which is why it’s best to hide them in a slightly more complex location.
In Vases
Burglars searching for hidden items can easily tip over or break vases, which is often why people find their items smashed to pieces when they return after a burglary. They’re so easy to check, so they’re not worth hiding things in.
Liquor Cabinet or Wine Cellar
While you might think your valuables are safe among wine bottles, burglars often raid liquor cabinets. A big reason for this is that high-quality alcohol can be worth a lot of money. If they manage to add another item, it’s a bonus, especially since it’s pretty hard to hide something in this location without being seen.
Suitcases
Suitcases are commonly used to store off-season clothing and sometimes valuables, as they can be put out of the way and store many things. But burglars know to check these, and they’re often so easy to open that it takes little effort for them to snoop through and see if anything is worth taking.
Behind Picture Frames
Hiding money or essential documents behind picture frames is a well-known trick. Burglars can easily remove the frames’ backing to check for hidden items or simply smash them to access the goods.
Underwear Drawers
Your bedroom’s underwear drawer is among the first places a burglar will search, knowing that many people stash things inside. It takes little effort for someone to rummage through this drawer, making it dangerous to leave anything of actual value.
Shoe Boxes
Shoe boxes, especially those for expensive designer shoes, are prime targets for burglars. Not only will they take the footwear if it’s worth money, but they know people often hide jewelry and cash in them, which can be a bonus for anyone trying to steal.
Sheds and Garages
These locations often contain tools and equipment that are valuable on their own, but burglars also look for other hidden items. Hiding items in these locations can be risky, so people should disguise them as much as possible if they must use the shed.
Electric Boxes
Electric boxes might seem secure, but they are a known hiding spot. They can be easily opened without a key lock, so burglars will quickly try them when they see one, causing damage simultaneously.
Under the Mattress
This classic hiding spot is one of the first places burglars check. Lifting a mattress takes no time, so hiding anything underneath it is such a risk. Many people choose to put cash in this location for some reason, even though there’s very little protection. People shouldn’t bother, as they’re not hidden well.
Behind Books on a Shelf
Bookshelves might seem like a good hiding place, but burglars often scan them for hollowed-out books. If you use this method, mix it with regular books to make it less noticeable, as this can trick a burglar who is often trying to move with speed.
Attic or Basement
While less frequently searched, these areas are not completely off-limits for burglars. It might take them a little more effort to get into these locations, but that’s precisely why some will look there. They believe that people hide things because of how hard they are to access, which makes placing things in these areas a risk.
Kitchen Storage Containers
Kitchens are frequently targeted because people hide money and jewelry in tea tins, coffee canisters, and other kitchen containers. Burglars usually check these areas early on, rummaging through to see if they can spot anything.
Flower Pots
Flower pots and planters might seem like creative hiding spots, but burglars know this trick. Adding some flowers doesn’t help turn people away, as they will decide to smash them to see if anything is hidden inside.
Cereal Boxes
Some people hide valuables in cereal boxes or other pantry items, hoping that anyone looking to steal will think it’s just food. The problem is that burglars are wise to this tactic and know that quickly dumping some cereal on the floor can lead to a big reward.
In Your Child’s Room
Parents sometimes hide valuables in their children’s rooms, thinking burglars won’t check there. But anyone willing to rob someone’s house doesn’t care about whether or not it’s a children’s bedroom. That’s why they will dive into these rooms and go through boxes or closets like anywhere else in the house.
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