You know that sinking feeling in your gut when you hear about a home invasion? It’s unsettling, to say the least. While we all hope it never happens to us, being prepared is half the battle. Think of it like a game of hide-and-seek, but with much higher stakes.
It’s not about paranoia; it’s about smart strategy and protecting your finances. Burglars are often looking for a quick score, and they go for the obvious spots first. By thinking like them, you can move your valuables to less predictable hiding places. Let’s delve into the top 13 spots burglars always check, so you can beef up your home’s defenses and enjoy greater peace of mind.
Children’s Rooms
It might seem counterintuitive, but burglars often search children’s rooms. They assume parents might hide valuables there, thinking a thief wouldn’t target a child’s space. They might look in toy boxes, under mattresses, or in dressers. It’s a sad reality, but children’s rooms are not always safe havens for your treasures.
Bedroom Dresser Drawers
People commonly keep jewelry, watches, and cash in their dresser drawers, especially in the top ones. It’s a convenient spot for the homeowner, but equally convenient for a thief on the hunt for a quick grab. Police reports and interviews with convicted burglars across the U.S. consistently reveal that master bedrooms, and particularly dresser drawers and bedside tables, are among the very first places they head, often within the first few minutes of entering a home.
Under The Mattress
The classic hiding spot, popularized in movies and old tales, remains a common go-to for some people. Because of this, it’s also one of the first places a burglar will check. Cash, small firearms, or jewelry tucked under a mattress or between box springs are easily discovered. It’s a habit that may require some self-improvement in your security tips and techniques.
Medicine Cabinets
People often stash prescription medications, which can be valuable to burglars, in medicine cabinets. They might also look for small amounts of cash or jewelry that people have absentmindedly left behind. It’s a common spot for quick searches because it’s usually easily accessible and full of small compartments. According to the FBI, there were 841,942 burglaries in 2023.
Freezers And Refrigerators
Believe it or not, some people hide money, jewelry, or small items in their freezer or refrigerator, thinking it’s an unexpected spot. Burglars are hip to this trick. They’ll often give these appliances a quick once-over, sometimes even checking inside food containers, especially during a hurried search for cold, hard cash or small valuables.
Nightstands
Just like dresser drawers, nightstands are a top contender for hiding small valuables. People commonly keep watches, rings, wallets, and phones here for easy access. Burglars know this and will quickly rummage through them, especially the top drawer. Your finances could take a hit if these items aren’t secured elsewhere.
Bedroom Dresser Drawers
While primarily used for towels and sheets, linen closets are often used to stash small safes, jewelry boxes, or cash hidden among the folded fabrics. Burglars will typically give these closets a quick search, especially if they appear disorganized, making it easy to rummage through piles of laundry for hidden money.
Kitchen Pantry And Cabinets
The kitchen pantry, particularly among pantry staples or in larger kitchen tools, can be a surprising hiding spot for small valuables or cash. Some people use old cereal boxes, food containers. Burglars know to give these areas a quick once-over, especially if they are pressed for time. This is part of their overall search tips & techniques.
Home Offices/Desks
Anywhere there are papers, there might be money or important documents. Desks, filing cabinets, and drawers in a home office are prime spots for burglars looking for cash, financial records, or small electronics like external hard drives. This area is often associated with valuable financial items. Around 34% of burglars enter a home through the front door, and 23% through a first-floor window, making these areas accessible.
Garage And Workshop
While often seen as a place for tools and vehicles, garages can house hidden valuables, especially in toolboxes, old paint cans, or storage containers. Burglars may search here for power tools to resell, or any small items that could fetch a quick buck. They might also look for access points to the main home. The average loss from a residential burglary in the U.S. was $2,661 in 2022, according to the FBI.
Laundry Rooms
Believe it or not, laundry rooms are another spot where people sometimes hide things. Think about it: an old laundry detergent box, a hamper full of clothes, or behind the washing machine. These are quick, easy places for a burglar to rummage through in their search for your money or small valuables.
High Shelves Or Cupboards
Some people believe that placing items on a high shelf or in a top cupboard makes them less accessible. However, burglars, especially taller ones or those with a bit more time, will always check these spots. They know people assume these areas are out of reach, making them a common target for valuable home decor items or small boxes. Over 60% of convicted burglars say they would be deterred by security cameras, according to a study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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