12 Hiding Places Burglers Always Check First

When someone breaks into a home, they’re not wandering around aimlessly. They know exactly where to look, and chances are, it’s the same places you’ve been hiding your valuables. I get it—it feels safe tucking cash in the freezer or stashing jewelry in your dresser. But here’s the thing: burglars know those spots better than we do.

The good news is, once you know their go-to places, you can outsmart them. A few simple changes can help keep your important stuff out of their hands and give you a little more peace of mind.

Liquor Cabinet

A liquor cabinet might not scream “valuables,” but it’s still a tempting spot for thieves. It’s not just about the booze—people sometimes hide heirlooms, cash, or other small items here, thinking it’s a clever spot. Unfortunately, it’s easy for burglars to rifle through while searching for more obvious treasures.

To keep valuables safe, avoid hiding them in shared spaces like liquor cabinets. If you have sentimental or pricey items, lock them away in a secure spot and save the liquor cabinet for what it’s meant for—your favorite drinks.

Suitcase

Suitcases might seem like a handy place to store valuables, but burglars know to check them. It’s not uncommon for people to stash cash, jewelry, or important documents in luggage, thinking it’s out of sight. Thieves, however, will open them up without hesitation, especially if they’re easily accessible in a closet.

If you’re using a suitcase for storage, stick to non-valuable items. Better yet, invest in a safe for things you truly want to protect. Your luggage is for travel, not safeguarding your most important belongings.

Gun Cabinets

Gun cabinets can be a double-edged sword when it comes to security. While they’re designed to store firearms safely, they’re also a clear signal to thieves that there might be something worth stealing. If the cabinet isn’t locked or bolted down, it could be an easy grab for criminals.

Always lock your gun cabinet and secure it to the floor or wall. Even better, consider using a heavy-duty safe specifically designed for firearms to protect both your guns and your household.

In the Freezer

Hiding valuables in the freezer might seem clever, but it’s one of those “hidden in plain sight” spots burglars already know about. Stashing cash or jewelry behind frozen veggies isn’t going to fool anyone, especially a thief who’s already in a rush to find easy pickings.

If you’re still drawn to this idea, consider using a tamper-proof container that blends in with other frozen items. Better yet, opt for a secure safe. It’s worth taking the extra step to protect what’s important to you.

The Medicine Cabinet

The medicine cabinet isn’t just a target for prescription pills; burglars know people sometimes hide cash or small valuables here too. It’s convenient for you, but it’s just as easy for someone breaking in to swipe whatever they find.

Instead of keeping anything valuable in the bathroom, lock away prescriptions and store cash or jewelry in a more secure location. Keeping medicine out of sight also adds a layer of protection for kids and houseguests.

Office Drawers

Office drawers are another easy target for thieves. Important papers like birth certificates, passports, or financial records are often neatly filed here, making them simple for a burglar to grab. Unfortunately, that convenience for you becomes a convenience for them, too.

To protect sensitive information, use a lockable file cabinet or a safe designed for documents.

Under the Mattress

Hiding valuables under the mattress is one of those old-school tricks that burglars already know too well. Security expert Chris McGoey notes that the master bedroom is often the first stop for thieves because it’s where people tend to keep their most valuable items—cash, jewelry, prescriptions, and even weapons. And yes, checking under the mattress is basically a given.

Bedroom Closet

Your closet isn’t as safe as you might think. Burglars will dig through pockets, shoeboxes, and shelves, looking for anything worth their time. If you’re storing valuables here, labeling a box with something uninteresting like “old tax papers” or “baby clothes” can deter a quick grab.

A better option? Keep high-value items out of the bedroom entirely. Secure storage in another part of the house can reduce the chance of a thief running across your treasures during a fast search.

Portable Safe

Portable safes might seem like a smart choice, but they’re only helpful if they can’t be carried off. Security pros like Chris McGoey warn that burglars will just grab the whole safe if it’s not bolted down. A locked safe only screams, “There’s something good in here!”—which isn’t exactly what you want.

For peace of mind, invest in a heavy safe that’s anchored to the floor or wall. It’ll make it nearly impossible for thieves to take it, forcing them to move on empty-handed.

Bedroom Drawers

Bedroom drawers are usually a hotspot for burglars because they know they might strike gold in a matter of seconds. Lots of people stash valuables like jewelry, watches, or even spare keys here, thinking they’re tucked away safely. Unfortunately, burglars aren’t interested in being careful—they’ll dump everything out and sift through the mess later.

Near Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are also prime search zones for burglars once they’re inside. Homeowners often leave items like wallets, purses, or even keys nearby, making it a quick grab-and-go situation. And let’s not forget the house key hidden under the mat or in a flowerpot—a burglar’s jackpot.

To outsmart intruders, keep your valuables out of sight and rethink where you hide spare keys. A lockbox or handing a key to a trusted neighbor is a safer bet than the usual spots burglars already know.

Entryway Drawers and Cabinets

The entryway can be a thief’s first target because it’s so convenient. A lot of times, drawers and cabinets near the front door hold car keys, spare cash, or important documents—all things that are easy to grab without much effort.

Try keeping high-value items somewhere less obvious and securing important documents in a locked cabinet or safe.