15 Common Hiding Spots That Are Far From Safe for Your Valuables

When it comes to protecting your most prized possessions, many of us think we’ve found the perfect hiding spot. Unfortunately, burglars are often one step ahead and know exactly where to look.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular yet ineffective hiding places that might not be as secure as you think. While they may seem clever, these spots are often the first places thieves check.

1. Under the Mattress

The classic hiding spot under the mattress may offer peace of mind, but it’s one of the first places burglars will check. Whether it’s cash or jewelry, thieves are familiar with this old trick. Bedrooms are prime targets for burglars, and a quick sweep will usually reveal anything hidden under the mattress.

2. Inside Old Purses or Suitcases

While it may seem like a good idea to stash your valuables in an old purse or suitcase, these are often the first places thieves will search. Since suitcases are commonly used for travel, burglars know to check them, especially if they’re stored in closets or attics.

3. In the Medicine Cabinet

The medicine cabinet is an obvious and easy target for thieves. Many people stash emergency cash, jewelry, or important documents in this location, thinking it’s private. However, burglars know that it’s quick to open and easy to rummage through. It’s one of the first places an intruder will check when looking for valuables.

4. Behind Picture Frames

You might think that hiding small valuables behind a picture frame is clever, but burglars are well aware of this trick. Picture frames are lightweight and easy to move, making them an ideal place for a quick search. If you’re relying on this spot for security, think again.

5. Inside the Freezer

It’s a popular myth that the kitchen freezer is a secure hiding spot. People stash everything from cash to important documents inside the freezer, thinking it’s an unlikely place for a thief to look. But with the rise of this idea, burglars have caught on and will often check the freezer during a break-in.

6. Inside Shoes or Boots

Shoes, especially boots, might seem like a clever hiding place for cash or small valuables. However, this is an obvious choice for burglars who know to check shoes and boots for hidden items. A thief can easily lift and inspect them, making this spot a risky option.

7. In Kids’ Toy Boxes

While it might seem like a good idea to hide valuables among toys, burglars are wise to this trick. Many burglars will quickly sift through toy boxes if they have any suspicion that valuables are hidden there. It’s a risky place to stash anything of importance.

8. In the Sock Drawer

The sock drawer is another surprisingly popular hiding spot for valuables, but it’s far from foolproof. Thieves know that people often hide cash and jewelry in easy-to-access places like this. If you’re counting on your sock drawer to keep things safe, it’s time to rethink your strategy.

9. In the Toilet Tank

Inspired by spy movies, some people hide valuables in the toilet tank. While it might seem like a clever and discreet place, burglars are aware of this trick and will often check bathrooms for hidden items. Plus, the risk of water damage is high, so it’s not the safest choice.

10. Inside Fake Plants or Planters

Fake plants and planters are popular hiding spots for small valuables, but they’re also one of the first places burglars will look. Thieves know that many people use these as decoys, so they’ll often uproot a plant to check for hidden treasures.

11. Behind a Closet Door or Hanging Clothes

Closets are one of the first places burglars search when they break into a home. Whether it’s behind hanging clothes or on the back of a closet door, these spots are far from secure. Most people store valuables or electronics in closets, making them an obvious target for intruders.

12. In the Laundry Basket

Though it seems like an unlikely place to stash valuables, many people hide their most precious items in the laundry basket. Unfortunately, burglars are aware of this common trick and will sift through laundry baskets in search of valuables. It’s a risky place to hide anything you want to protect.

13. Under Rugs or Carpets

A common hiding place in many homes, hiding valuables under rugs or carpets seems like a clever idea. However, thieves are well aware of this tactic and will often flip over rugs or peel back corners to search for hidden items. It’s not as secure as it might appear.

14. Inside Dog’s Bed or Pet Accessories

Hiding valuables under a dog’s bed or in pet accessories might seem like a safe bet, but burglars will often check these areas as well. Many thieves know that pet owners sometimes store valuables here, so it’s not a foolproof spot for keeping your items safe.

15. In Plain Sight

Ironically, sometimes people think leaving valuables in plain sight is the best way to hide them. They believe that if the items appear random or unimportant, a thief might overlook them. However, burglars often look for valuables in obvious places during a quick break-in. Leaving items out in the open could make them an easy target.