The Worst Places to Keep a Spare Key: Protect Your Property with Smart Strategies

Securing your home and valuables is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner. One of the most crucial steps is to keep your spare keys in a safe and accessible place. However, many people make the mistake of storing their keys in locations that are easy to compromise. This article highlights the worst places to keep a spare key, providing advice to help you protect your property and prevent theft.

The Glove Box in Your Car

Many people believe that the glove box in their car is a secure place to store a spare key. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst places to keep your key. In many cases, the glove box is just a box, and all a thief or unauthorized person would need to do is lock the glove box and keep the car running until they come back. Additionally, you've undoubtedly heard stories of people forgetting their keys in the glove box. How can you access your car if you forget your key and lock the car inside?

Moreover, the glove box is often checked by law enforcement and others who have access to your vehicle. This includes mechanics, valets, and strangers who might be looking for a quick and easy way to break into your car. In one instance, a car was left with the spare key in the glove box, and the keys were locked inside. The owner had to pay a locksmith to access the car, which could have been avoided if the key was kept in a more secure location.

The Safe at Home

People often think that a safe is a foolproof option for storing spare keys. However, the safety of a digital safe is often compromised due to safety concerns. For example, battery alarms are frequently ignored, and the battery can corrode due to infrequent usage. As a result, when the time comes to use the safe, it is locked with the only means of opening inside the safe. This is a severe security breach, as the owner is now locked out of their home and relies on a forgotten or corroded battery for access.

Furthermore, safe keys should be left with a trusted neighbor or family member, not in the home of the safe. This way, in case of an emergency, someone else can access the safe without being locked out. Storing the key inside the safe only leads to more problems in the long run.

The Door Hook and Dish in a House

Placing a spare key in a dish or hook near the door may seem like a practical solution, but it is one of the most dangerous places to keep your key. In many homes, the entrance to the property is within view of passersby, and a thief can easily fish the key through the letter box or grab it from the dish. Keeping your spare key near the door not only leaves your property at risk but also provides the thief with a direct escape route, making them less likely to leave evidence behind.

For example, a family left their spare key in a dish next to the door while on holiday. When they returned, they found that the key had been taken, leading to a break-in. Imagine the frustration and cost of hiring a locksmith to open the door, knowing that it could have been avoided if the key was kept in a more secure location. The thief could have cut through a window and left DNA evidence, but instead, they had an easy escape route and left no trace.

Safe Storage Tips

To ensure the security of your spare keys, consider the following tips:

Use a safe with a trusted neighbor's name and contact information. This way, if you forget your key, you can have someone unlock the safe in an emergency. Consider a keyless entry system. Modern technology offers various keyless entry options, such as smart locks, which add an extra layer of security without the risk of forgetting or losing keys. Keep a backup set of keys in a secure location. Storing an additional set of keys at a family member's house can provide you with a second chance if you ever lose your primary set of keys. Utilize a home security system. Investing in a home security system, which includes a monitoring service, can provide peace of mind and deter potential burglars.

In conclusion, the best places to store your spare keys are in a secure location, outside your home, and known only to a few trusted individuals. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and ensure the safety of your property. For more security advice, stay tuned for my upcoming blog posts.