Most people don’t really want to think about how a burglar would rummage through their home, but this is an important of being prepared for the worst. After all, burglars know exactly where to look for valuables, and while certain hiding spots might seem clever to you, they may actually be the first ones intruders will search.
Here are some of the places burglars are most likely to check the moment they enter your home.
Master Bedroom
If a burglar makes it to the master bedroom, it’s often their first stop. Most people keep their most valuable items, like jewelry, cash, and important documents, in dressers, bedside tables, or closets here. Burglars know this and will rummage through drawers and even check under the mattress. Hiding things in the bedroom might feel convenient, but it’s also the most predictable spot.
Nightstands
Nightstands are small but mighty when it comes to storage, and burglars are well aware of this. These drawers often hold wallets, spare keys, prescription medications, and even small amounts of cash. Their size makes them easy to search quickly, so intruders won’t hesitate to check here.
Dresser Drawers
Dresser drawers are another common hiding spot for jewelry, passports, or emergency cash. But these valuables certainly aren’t safe here, as burglars will often start by pulling open the top drawers, as people tend to keep their most valuable items there.
They’ll also check under clothing, knowing that many people believe hiding things beneath a few layers will do the trick.
Under the Mattress
Hiding cash or valuables under the mattress might feel like an old-school trick, but burglars know all about it. It’s one of the first places they’ll look, often flipping the mattress without hesitation. While it may seem secure since it’s out of sight, this hiding spot is far too common to fool anyone.
Closets
Closets are prime targets because they often contain a mix of high-value and sentimental items. Burglars will rifle through shelves, search behind hanging clothes, and even dig into shoeboxes or suitcases. Safes hidden in closets are another frequent find, especially if they’re not bolted down.
Home Office
The home office isn’t just for working; it’s also where many people store important documents, electronics, and sometimes cash. Filing cabinets, desk drawers, and even printer trays are common hiding spots burglars will search. If you’ve tucked away sensitive paperwork or spare keys here, it might be time to rethink your storage strategy.
Desk Drawers
Small and easy to access, desk drawers are irresistible to burglars. These spaces often contain items like checkbooks, passports, or small gadgets that are quick to grab. Even if the drawers are locked, most burglars will make the effort to break in, knowing there’s likely something valuable inside.
Kitchen Drawers
You might not think of your kitchen as a hotspot for burglars, but it often is. Many people stash spare keys, wallets, or cash in “junk drawers” or other out-of-the-way spots in this room. Burglars will check these places quickly, knowing they might yield something valuable without much effort.
The Freezer
Hiding cash or valuables in the freezer has become surprisingly common, and burglars know it. It doesn’t really matter if it’s tucked into a bag of peas or wrapped in foil: these items still aren’t as safe as you might think. Freezers are now a standard spot for intruders to check, so this old trick doesn’t hold up anymore.
Medicine Cabinets
Medicine cabinets might not hold cash or jewelry, but they’re still a target. Prescription medications can be worth a lot on the black market, making these cabinets a quick and easy stop for burglars. It’s best to keep any medications in a secure, hidden location rather than leaving them in plain sight.
Under the Sink
Under-sink cabinets are another spot burglars might check, especially for safes or small boxes. While it might seem like an unlikely hiding spot, it’s actually a fairly common choice for homeowners. Burglars are quick to recognize this and will open these cabinets without a second thought.
The Garage
Garages are often overlooked as a security risk, but they can hold high-value items like tools, bikes, or even spare car keys. Burglars will scan for anything they can sell quickly, making this space a common target. Even if your home is locked, an unlocked or easily accessible garage can provide plenty of opportunities.
Drawers in the Living Room
Living room drawers, like those in coffee tables or side tables, are often a go-to for burglars. These small compartments are perfect for stashing remotes, keys, or other frequently used items. Unfortunately, they’re also easy for burglars to search in seconds, making them a poor choice for hiding anything important.
The Laundry Room
While it might seem like a low-priority area, laundry rooms can hold valuable items like wallets or phones left in jacket pockets. Burglars may also check hampers or cabinets on the off chance they find something worth taking.
Behind Wall Art
The idea of hiding valuables behind paintings or wall art is straight out of a movie, but it’s a tactic burglars are familiar with. They’ll often lift frames or tap on walls to check for safes or compartments. While it might seem clever, this hiding spot has become too obvious to be effective.
Attics
While less likely to be checked during a quick break-in, attics aren’t completely off-limits. Burglars who have extra time may venture up to see if you’ve hidden away valuable items in storage boxes or bags. Though it’s less common, the attic is still worth safeguarding if you use it for anything important.
Basements
Basements are another space burglars might explore, especially if they’re looking for safes or hidden stashes. Storage boxes, cabinets, and tool benches are all fair game. If your basement is easily accessible, it’s worth locking up anything valuable stored there.
Behind the Toilet Tank
Hiding valuables behind or inside the toilet tank might seem clever, but burglars know this trick too. It’s one of those hiding spots that’s been passed down for generations, making it far too predictable. If you’re using this spot, it might be time to find a more secure location.