When it comes to protecting your valuables at home, conventional wisdom often falls short. Many people hide their most precious items in places burglars have come to know all too well. Recently, a group of 30 former burglars opened up about the common mistakes homeowners make when securing their belongings — and the surprising spots you should never use to hide your stuff.
According to these ex-burglars, some of the most popular hiding spots remain the most vulnerable. Areas like under the bed, inside socks or underwear drawers, inside the freezer, or taped under surfaces are common targets. “If it’s obvious or easy to access, chances are it’s the first place a thief will look,” one former burglar admitted.
One startling revelation was regarding ‘messy rooms.’ While it might seem counterintuitive, many burglars confessed that cluttered or messy rooms are actually less inviting targets. “When a room is messy, it’s harder and slower to sift through everything quickly, which increases the risk of getting caught,” another said. This means a messy room could unintentionally serve as a deterrent — a handy tip for those who don’t want to invest heavily in expensive safes or security devices.
So where should you hide valuables? The former burglars emphasized choosing places that are unpredictable and difficult to access quickly but also practical for the homeowner. Some unusual but effective hiding strategies they recommended include:
- Inside rarely used books with hollowed pages — but only if placed among other similar books to avoid standing out.
- Within the lining of lampshades or inside hollow curtain rods, which are often overlooked.
- In false bottoms of cleaning supply cabinets, but away from obvious cleaning products, so thieves don’t rummage through cleaning gear routinely.
- Hidden inside old electronics or appliances that aren’t in use, such as a DVD player or stereo, concealing cash or documents in places burglars wouldn’t immediately expect.
They also shared expert advice on home security beyond hiding spots. Installing motion-detector lights and alarm systems rated highly. “Burglars want an easy, quick score,” one said. “If they think you’ve made your home risky or time-consuming to rob, they often move on to a softer target.”
Additional tips from these insiders include:
- Don’t advertise your absence on social media — burglars increasingly monitor posts for vacation info.
- Keep expensive jewelry and documents in a high-quality safe bolted to the floor or wall.
- Use timers for indoor lights when you’re away to simulate occupancy.
- Trim back landscaping that could provide cover for thieves near windows and entrances.
- Consider a dog or even a fake security camera to boost perceived risks.
Ultimately, the experts agree: No hiding spot is foolproof, but combining clever concealment with solid home security measures provides the best protection.
Taking lessons from those who once broke into homes could be the key to stopping them.
Have you reconsidered where you hide your valuables? According to these 30 ex-burglars, staying one step ahead is all about unpredictability and smart habits — not just buying safes or secret boxes.
