15 Unique Hiding Spots Burglars Might Never Think To Check
When it comes to home security, the key is not to fool the burglar, but to make the home such a difficult target that they move on to an easier target. Here, we explore some unconventional hiding spots that might just give you the edge in protecting your valuables from would-be burglars.
The Myth of "Safe" Hiding Spots
The idea of a place that burglars would never think to look is a common myth. The reality is that there is no such place. Every hiding spot is fair game for a dedicated thief. The rule is simple: if you can think of a place to hide something, so can they. What home security is about is delaying the burglar and making the action of theft more difficult and risky for them.
A Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
When assessing home security, it’s a cost vs. benefit analysis. The goal is to delay the burglar from achieving their goal, not to prevent them completely. A determined thief will always find a way in. Instead, make it so difficult and risky that the burglar sees value in staying away. Delay their entry and further delay them once inside with good safes and quality cameras. The more time, effort, noise, and risk it takes for the burglar to obtain the item, the better it is for you.
Common Misconceptions
Some homeowners might think of extreme or unique hiding spots, but it’s important to remember that these ideas are already known to the burglar community. If you share one online or in public, a burglar might use it. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on making commonly accessible items more secure and less accessible to would-be thieves.
The Distinction Between Burglars and Robbers
Burglars are individuals who seek to steal your valuable possessions but generally do not resort to violence. Robbers, on the other hand, are willing to use force to achieve their goals. Therefore, when dealing with robbers, you must also secure yourself and any loved ones who may be threatened, as your possessions would not be safe otherwise.
Social Engineers and Scam Artists
A significant threat comes from social engineers and scam artists. These individuals use manipulation to gain access to your property or your access controls. They often have the highest returns, as they can easily obtain more valuable data than a simple theft of physical items. For example, gaining access to someone’s bank account can be far more valuable than stealing a physical wallet. Similarly, using an email account to reset passwords can lead to widespread access, including databases and the contacts of important individuals.
Conclusion
While the idea of a "burglar-proof" hiding spot is a myth, there are still strategies to make your valuables more secure. Focus on common sense and well-tested security measures, rather than relying on uncommon hiding spots. Always keep in mind the broader threat landscape, which includes not only physical theft but also cyber-based scams and social engineering.