Understanding where burglars commonly search can help you protect your belongings effectively. Many assume their hiding spots are clever, but experienced thieves know the usual places. Recognising these patterns and taking practical precautions can reduce the risk of theft.
This guide explores the areas burglars typically target and offers detailed strategies for safeguarding valuables at home.
1. Entryway Drawers and Cabinets
Burglars often begin their search near the front door because it is a high-traffic area where people tend to leave essential items. Commonly, homeowners use these drawers and cabinets for storing car keys, spare cash, and important documents, making them an attractive target.
Even safes or lockboxes placed in this area can be easily removed unless properly secured. To minimise risk, limit the use of these spaces to non-essential items and relocate high-value belongings to less accessible locations deeper inside the home.
Consider reinforcing entryway drawers with locks to deter opportunistic thieves.
2. Living Room Shelves and Decorations
The living room is often targeted because it typically contains high-value items such as electronics and jewellery. Televisions, gaming consoles, and sound systems are particularly appealing to burglars due to their resale value and portability.
Smaller valuables, including jewellery, are at risk when left on open shelves or hidden in obvious spots like decorative vases. Burglars also tend to search thoroughly, checking behind books or within drawers and furniture.
To mitigate these risks, ensure high-value items are not visible from outside windows or doors. Use anti-theft mounts or cable locks for securing electronics and store jewellery in safes or locked cabinets that are placed in inconspicuous locations.
Organising furniture to obstruct direct views into the room from entryways or windows can further enhance security.
3. Under the Mattress in the Main Bedroom
Bedrooms are a prime focus during break-ins as they often contain high-value items. Hiding valuables under mattresses, in bedside tables, or inside wardrobes is common but predictable. Burglars typically search these areas, including suitcases and shoe boxes, where cash or jewellery might be stored.
To increase security, consider using a heavy-duty safe that is securely bolted to the floor or wall. Avoid placing safes in obvious locations like closets or under beds. Additionally, minimise the visibility of valuable items within the room and keep important documents and jewellery stored in less accessible parts of the house.
4. Bathroom Cabinets
Bathroom cabinets are frequently searched during break-ins, not for cash or jewellery but for prescription medications. These drugs, especially controlled substances, can be resold for a significant profit, making them a target for thieves. To secure these items, avoid storing them in visible or easily accessible locations.
Use a lockable medicine cabinet to provide an extra layer of protection. Alternatively, keep medications in a secure, hidden area that blends into the household environment. Ensure that any personal or prescription information is also concealed to prevent misuse.
5. Home Office Safes and Drawers
Studies and home offices are commonly targeted for documents, electronics, and safes. Portable safes are particularly vulnerable because they can be carried away and opened later. Always bolt safes to a sturdy surface.
Laptops, external drives, and other valuable equipment should be stored in locked drawers or behind secure doors when not in use.
6. Kitchen Freezer and Pantry
Hiding cash or jewellery in food storage areas has become a popular trend, but burglars are aware of this tactic. Freezers, cereal boxes, and other pantry items are often searched during break-ins.
If using these locations, conceal items in containers that blend seamlessly with the surroundings and avoid labelling them.
7. Basement or Wine Cellar
Although basements and wine cellars are less likely to hold valuables, burglars might search these spaces for alcohol or tools they can use during the break-in. Ensure these areas are locked and consider storing any valuable items in heavy-duty storage units or safes specifically designed for secure use in basements.
8. Garage Cabinets and Toolboxes
Garages are frequently targeted during break-ins, often for tools or equipment that can be used to gain further access to the house or sold for profit. Expensive tools, machinery, and equipment left in plain sight increase the risk of theft. Always lock toolboxes and store smaller tools in cabinets with secure locks.
Additionally, consider installing a garage door with an automatic locking mechanism to enhance security. Reinforce side doors or windows with sturdy locks or bars, as these are often weak entry points for burglars.
Maintaining an organised and less cluttered garage can also help you quickly identify any missing items after a break-in attempt.
9. Attic Storage Areas
While attics are not the first place burglars might check, they often hold items of significant personal or monetary value, such as family heirlooms, important documents, or seasonal equipment.
To enhance security, ensure the attic door or access point is fitted with a sturdy lock. Store valuables in unmarked boxes or containers that blend with standard storage items to make them less noticeable.
Avoid keeping all valuables in one location and consider placing less critical items in the attic to reduce the potential impact of theft. Regularly inspect and organise the attic to identify and address any vulnerabilities.
10. Under the Kitchen Sink
Although unconventional, some people store spare cash or small valuables under the kitchen sink. Burglars might check this area if they suspect homeowners use unusual hiding spots. Avoid placing any valuables here and use it for standard household cleaning supplies only.
11. Children’s Rooms
Burglars often overlook children’s rooms, assuming they are unlikely to contain valuable items. However, these spaces may hold electronics such as tablets, gaming consoles, or small amounts of cash hidden in drawers or piggy banks.
It is essential to teach children to avoid leaving these items in visible or predictable spots, like desks or under pillows. Secure storage, such as locked drawers or a family safe, ensures valuables are less accessible.
Regularly check and update these spaces to prevent forgotten items from becoming easy targets.
12. Laundry Baskets
Laundry baskets may seem like an unusual hiding spot, but burglars who search thoroughly often check these areas. Small valuables like cash or jewellery placed here are easily discovered.
Instead, use secure storage solutions or locked compartments to keep these items safe. Avoid leaving any personal or valuable items in plain laundry hampers to minimise risks.
13. Behind Wall Art
Hiding valuables behind framed pictures or wall art might seem creative, but it’s a common tactic that burglars are well aware of. A simple search behind artwork can reveal hidden items like cash or documents.
For added security, consider installing a wall safe concealed by the artwork. This adds a layer of protection that cannot be bypassed easily.
14. Sofa Cushions
Stashing cash, jewellery, or other valuables under sofa cushions is a frequent choice for quick hiding, but it’s also an obvious one. Burglars often lift and search under cushions or inside furniture compartments.
To ensure safety, use secure safes or well-hidden lockable storage instead of relying on furniture as a hiding place.
Tips to Keep Your Valuables Secure
- Choose hiding spots that are unusual. Store valuables in boxes with labels suggesting mundane contents, like old clothes or textbooks.
- Use decoys to mislead burglars. Leaving a small amount of cash in an obvious place can trick them into thinking they’ve found what they want.
- Strengthen home security with robust locks. Reinforce doors and windows, and consider using motion sensors or security cameras.
- Install heavy safes that are bolted to the floor. Portable safes are easy to steal and should be avoided.
- Prevent visibility from outside. Use curtains or blinds to ensure valuables are not visible from windows.
- Avoid storing car keys, cash, and electronics in easily accessible locations. Select less obvious areas for these items.
- Secure areas like garages and sheds. Burglars may search these spaces for tools or equipment they can use to gain access to your home.
- Use smart home technology to monitor activity. Alerts and remote access can help you act quickly if a break-in is attempted.
Professional Assistance for Enhanced Security
Enhancing your home’s security is easier with expert support. Locksmith services can provide reliable solutions to safeguard your property, including:
- Deadlocks and heavy-duty safes
- Advanced electronic lock systems
- Key cutting and re-keying services
- Emergency lockout support
For professional advice or immediate assistance, contact Ambassador Locksmith at 0407 452 424.
Recognising the methods burglars commonly use and applying preventive measures can reduce the chance of theft. These strategies provide effective ways to protect your home and belongings.