Image Source: 123rf.com
Ever feel smug about your “brilliant” hiding place at home? Here’s the harsh truth: burglars have seen it all. They’ve got a mental checklist of go-to spots that most people think are clever, but really aren’t.
These hiding places might fool a toddler, but to a seasoned thief, they’re neon signs flashing “valuables inside.” Let’s break down six of the most common hiding spots that give burglars an easy payday—and why you should think twice before trusting them.
1. Under the Mattress
It feels like the ultimate hiding place because it’s close, secret, and straight out of old movies. Unfortunately, thieves know this is the first spot to check. Sliding their hands under a mattress takes seconds, and many burglars go straight for it. Cash, jewelry, and passports tucked here are basically sitting ducks. The best place for sleep is your bed—not your savings account.
2. The Sock Drawer
Everyone loves the idea of stashing valuables among socks and underwear. It feels private, a little awkward, maybe even foolproof. But burglars are professionals at ignoring modesty. They’ll rip through drawers without hesitation, tossing socks in seconds until they find a hidden envelope or jewelry box. If you’re hiding something in your dresser, you might as well leave it on the nightstand.
3. The Freezer
Some swear by the “frozen assets” trick, wrapping valuables in foil or stashing cash in a bag of peas. Clever, right? Not anymore. Burglars learned that trick a long time ago and know exactly where to dig. They’re willing to sacrifice a pack of ice cream sandwiches if it means grabbing a roll of bills. Cold storage doesn’t mean secure storage.
4. The Toilet Tank
Dropping valuables into a sealed bag and slipping it into the back of a toilet tank sounds like a spy-movie tactic. But burglars have seen this move plenty of times. A quick lift of the lid and they know if you’ve joined the not-so-secret club. It’s not even a clean option, and the water exposure can damage what you’re hiding. Unless you want your valuables swimming with plumbing parts, skip this hiding spot.
Image Source: 123rf.com
5. The Bookshelf Safe
Those hollowed-out books look clever in catalogs and online ads. The problem is that burglars know they exist too. A thief can scan a shelf and spot the fake spine in seconds. Even worse, most people stick them at eye level, making them stand out even more. If your valuables are tucked between “War and Peace” and a suspiciously light “dictionary,” they’re not going to last long.
6. The Closet
Tossing valuables in a shoebox, handbag, or sweater pile in the closet feels convenient. But closets are treasure chests for burglars. They’re fast to search, easy to overturn, and full of ready-made hiding spots. If something’s valuable enough to stash, it won’t be safe among last season’s jackets. Closets are for clothes, not your cash or heirlooms.
Rethink Your Hiding Spots
Burglars don’t waste time—they go straight to the usual suspects, and too often, people make it easy. Sticking with “classic” hiding places means playing right into their hands. Real safety comes from outsmarting the obvious, thinking unpredictably, or using a secure safe that’s bolted down. The goal isn’t to hide like everyone else—it’s to make a thief leave empty-handed.
What about you—where do you think is the worst hiding spot people still use? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Read More
7 Car Features Criminals Use to Trap You Without Breaking In
6 Items That Make Burglars Assume You’re an Easy Target
Leave a Reply