19 Secret Hiding Spots That Will Fool The Smartest Burglars
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Burglaries continue to be a prevalent concern across the United States, with the FBI reporting that there were over 1 million burglaries in 2020, costing homeowners an average of $2,692 per burglary. Most break-ins occur during daylight hours, often between 10 AM and 3 PM, when occupants are typically at work or school.
Many thieves prefer to work quickly, often spending less than 10 minutes inside a home. Burglars first check traditional hiding spots (under the mattress, under the sink, and in bathroom cabinets). Fortunately, there are creative solutions. These 19 secret hiding spots will fool even the smartest burglars.
Inside a Vacuum Cleaner Bag
Statistics show that many burglars avoid disorganized or dirty areas, and a vacuum cleaner falls squarely into that category. They’ll unlikely spend time sifting through dust and debris in a vacuum bag to find your jewels or cash.
Ensure you seal your valuables in a waterproof container before placing them inside! This method allows easy access when you need to retrieve your items without worrying about prying eyes. Also, remove the items before using the vacuum.
False Bottom Drawers
Creating a false bottom is straightforward: a simple piece of wood or cardboard can make an undercover layer beneath your items, a few inches above the drawer base. The genius lies in that drawers are often overlooked during quick searches, especially when filled with everyday items.
An added bonus? You can use this hidden compartment to stash things you don’t want on display—passports, cash, or sentimental jewelry that doesn’t see the light of day.
Hollowed-out Books
A study by Gavin Butler from Arizona State University reveals that most burglars prefer to make quick grabs, often in less than 10 to 20 minutes (3 to 5 minutes if the job is easy). This means they won’t be poring over your bookshelf—but if you’ve got a fake book cleverly concealing your valuables, you’ve got them one step behind!
Choose a thick book, hollow out the center, and place your valuables inside. Then, simply return the book to your shelf.
False Wall Outlets
A false wall outlet is another clever place to hide small items like jewelry or USB drives. Purchase a fake wall outlet cover that’s easy to install. Burglars likely won’t waste time unscrewing outlets, making this hiding spot nearly foolproof.
You’ll need a small box or container, a standard electrical outlet cover, and some tools (screwdriver, utility knife). Select a wall area where an outlet is typically found, like near your living room or bedroom. Cut an appropriately sized hole in the wall where you’ll place your container. Secure it so it sits flush with the wall. Attach the electrical cover over your new hiding spot.
Hidden Pantries
Kitchens offer several opportunities for hidden storage. To create your hidden pantry, choose a closet or a small room within your kitchen. With creativity, you can install a false back or a swinging wall leading to a hidden shelving unit stocked with food and valuables.
For added flair, camouflaging your hidden entrance with everyday kitchen items like pots and pans can deter anyone trying to find your treasures. Plus, you can convert a bookshelf into a clever pantry door with some upcycling.
Fake Food Cans
Everyday items like food cans can serve dual purposes. These cans blend effortlessly with your pantry items, making them an inconspicuous hiding spot. Start by selecting a can of food that you don’t mind emptying. Once finished, thoroughly clean it out and remove the label.
Next, create a false bottom by cutting a piece of cardboard to fit inside the can, leaving just enough room to store small items like cash, jewelry, or important documents. Finally, secure the pieces together with tape. You can even fill the can with inert stuff like cotton balls or rice to maintain its weight and make it look authentic.
Customized Stair Steps
You can install a hinged step that flips open, revealing a spacious cavity for storing everything from cash to important documents. All you need are essential woodworking tools, creativity, and a handy DIY spirit!
Just ensure the mechanism is smooth to blend seamlessly with the rest of your stairs. For an extra layer of security, consider adding a lock to the compartment, giving you peace of mind that your valuables are safe from prying eyes.
Toy Chest False Bottoms
A toy chest can be transformed into one of the most ingenious hiding spots for your valuables. Start by measuring your toy chest’s interior to determine how much space you have. Use a piece of plywood or sturdy cardboard cut to size, ensuring it fits snugly at the top of the chest’s interior.
You can even secure it with small hinges or dowels to make it easy to lift. Once crafted, fill the upper area with less valuable toys or stuffed animals to complete the ruse.
Inside a False Ceiling Vent
This clever location capitalizes on our natural inclination to ignore areas that seem entirely practical. Start by locating an existing ceiling vent or installing a faux cover for added disguise.
Secure your valuables in a waterproof, discreet container that fits snugly within the vent space. For optimal stealth, select a vented style that matches the décor of your home so it appears completely unremarkable.
Under the Floorboards (With a Secret Latch)
Tucked beneath your feet, the floorboards can be an unexpected yet ingenious hiding spot for your valuables! Carefully loosen a section of your flooring—this could be done using a pry bar—and craft a small, sturdy box that fits snugly between the joists.
Attach a secret latch that’s discreetly positioned to ensure accessibility only to you. Consider camouflaging the latch with a decorative rug or furniture for added flair and security.
Fake Rocks
Imagine an eager burglar rummaging through your home only to find a cleverly disguised rock sitting inconspicuously in your garden or yard. First, pick a garden rock that mimics the size and shape of a natural stone in your yard. Look for ones made from durable materials like resin or plastic.
Next, carefully chip out some of the material with a chisel or a sturdy knife to create a small cavity. Ensure this hollow space is big enough for valuable items like cash, jewelry, or important documents. Finally, place the rock back among your garden decorations, blending it with genuine stones, soil, and plants.
Inside a Wall Clock with a Hidden Compartment
It serves its purpose as a timekeeper and doubles as a secret vault for your valuables! Start with an ordinary wall clock—preferably one with a removable back. Carefully remove the clock’s mechanism and set it aside.
Next, take a small, lightweight container (small tin or a plastic box) that can fit inside the clock without interfering with the hands of the clock. Secure the container, ensuring it’s well-camouflaged behind the clock face. Once everything is ready, reattach the back of the clock.
In a False Plant Pot
All you need is a sturdy plant pot that matches your decor (bonus points if it’s dirty and unkempt). Start by obtaining a small, watertight plastic container that’s big enough to conceal your valuables but small enough to fit comfortably at the bottom of the pot.
Place the container upside down and fill the surrounding area with soil and decorative stones like an average plant. Then, add a faux or real plant to mask the arrangement.
In a False Bottom of a Pet’s Food Container
Who would ever suspect that Fido’s food bowl is hiding something special? Choose a suitable pet food container—ideally one with a solid lid. Next, grab some materials, like a shallow plastic bin that fits inside your container or a sturdy piece of cardboard.
Cut a piece of cardboard to cover the bottom of your container, leaving a gap on the sides for easy removal. Once the false bottom is in place, fill the container with pet food, covering your hidden valuables.
In a Hollowed-Out Piece of Furniture
Hollow out a piece of furniture to create a secret compartment. Select a piece of furniture with ample space, such as a side table or a chest, and carefully hollow out the inside, ensuring the original structure well conceals it.
You can line the hollow with felt to make it look polished and to prevent items from shifting around. Finally, conceal the opening with an attractive book, a decorative item, or a small rug that complements your décor. Consider using non-descript items—perhaps a vintage cabinet or a bookshelf—to distract attention.
Behind Wall Art
Select a piece of artwork that’s relatively easy to remove from the wall. Consider a canvas or a frame that doesn’t require heavy hardware. Next, install a small safe or a concealed box directly behind the artwork.
Ensure that the opening mechanism is discreet—perhaps a clasp or a magnet—so it remains hidden. To further disguise your secret stash, choose a frame that complements the surrounding decor or even paint it the same color as the wall to blend in.
Inside a Door with a False Back Panel
Important documents, cash, or even jewelry could take refuge in this clever nook. Start by choosing a door that’s not frequently opened or could use refurbishing. Remove the door from its hinges and carefully create a shallow cavity on the inner side.
Plywood or a thin panel works perfectly as a false back. Attach it securely, ensuring it blends in seamlessly with the door. For security, consider adding a small lock or latch to keep the contents safe.
False-Bottom Jewelry Boxes
The magic lies in the design—most individuals expect to find jewelry in such boxes, overlooking the hidden compartment. Start with a shallow jewelry box that you can easily repurpose. Craft a removable bottom that fits snugly inside the original box using a thin piece of wood or even sturdy cardboard.
Place your everyday jewelry on top, positioning the hidden compartment beneath. To ensure your secret stash is undetectable, you can line it with felt or fabric matching the box’s interior, giving it a polished look.
Hidden Compartment in a Closet
Start by selecting a sturdy container—something that won’t raise suspicions. A shallow drawer or a small box can work wonders. To up the ante, consider installing your hidden compartment on your closet’s top or bottom shelves, ensuring it’s camouflaged behind clothing or shoe boxes.
A simple DIY project, such as modifying an existing shelf to include a flip-open section, adds an innovative twist while remaining functional. This simple yet effective hiding spot allows you to store everything from cash and jewelry to essential documents.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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