5 Hiding Spots Burglars Check First — and Why You Should Never Store Keys or Cash There

5 Hiding Spots Burglars Check First — and Why You Should Never Store Keys or Cash There

It might sound harsh, but here’s the truth: if you’re hiding money or keys in the “usual” places around your home, you’re making a burglar’s job easier.

People often believe they’ve cleverly hidden their cash or valuables — but burglars always know where to look. Not because they’ve supernatural intuition but because they’ve seen the same patterns over and over again.

And don’t assume burglars are “dumb.” On the contrary — many operate like quick analysts. They know where people typically hide valuable items, how people react under pressure, and how to sweep through a home in two minutes flat as if they’ve been there before.

So, if you don’t want to end up with an empty “shoe box safe” and an even emptier wallet, here are five places burglars almost always check first — and why you shouldn’t store anything valuable there.

1. 🛏️ Under the Mattress or Pillow

It is one of the oldest clichés in the book — and still shockingly common. People stash envelopes of cash, jewelry, or even firearms under the mattress.

Why? Because they think, “If anything happens, I’ll have it close.”

But that’s precisely why it’s the first place burglars check. They don’t even need to bend down — one lift and the stash is theirs.

2. 🧺 Underwear Drawer

People often think this is a “private” space and, therefore, secure.

But seasoned burglars know this is where people hide things they don’t want others to see — gold, documents, and sometimes cash.

One quick sweep — and the drawer’s empty.

3. 📚 Fake Books and Shelf Hiding Spots

Yes, you’ll find those “hollow books” that look like encyclopedias on sale everywhere as secret safes.

Guess what experienced burglars do? They scan the shelf for oddly thick, heavy, or isolated books — and grab them immediately.

In a KGW News investigation, multiple convicted burglars said hiding valuables in books was one of the least effective methods.

4. 🚽 Bathroom Cabinets and Toilet Tanks

The bathroom is a common hiding spot for backup cash — people stash it inside empty medicine boxes, under the sink, or even inside the toilet tank.

But if a burglar has already gone through the bedroom and living room, the bathroom is the next logical step.

They won’t hesitate to open your toothpaste or check behind the mirror.

5. 👟 Shoe Boxes, Bags, and Old Suitcases

“I hid it in an old purse no one uses anymore.”

Sounds smart — until you realize that’s exactly what everyone thinks.

Closets are among the most thoroughly searched areas in a burglary. Burglars go through bags, jacket pockets, shoe boxes, and even empty suitcases stored above the wardrobe.

How Do We Know These Are the First Places They Check?

We’re not guessing.

These observations come from multiple independent sources and firsthand interviews with real burglars.

📌 Example: KGW News Investigation (Portland, Oregon)

Journalist Kyle Iboshi conducted an anonymous survey of 86 convicted burglars in Oregon.

The questions were simple: where do you look first? What deters you? How do you choose a target?

Most of them named these exact five spots as the most common hiding places for cash, jewelry, and documents.

👉 Read the full report here (English)

✅ So, Where Should You Hide Valuables?

• A wall or floor-mounted safe. If it’s not bolted down, burglars might take the whole safe.
• A bank or safety deposit box. For larger sums or irreplaceable items, don’t take the risk.
• Less obvious places, but avoid clichés. Think: behind a false wall panel, inside a decoy appliance, or even within a hidden compartment no one casually moves (like beneath a heavy machine).

🎯 Final Thought

A burglar thinks like a detective.

They look for clues, recognize patterns, and use your habits against you.

If you hide things like everyone else — burglars will find them, just like they always do.

Proper security isn’t just about fancy cameras — it’s about more innovative thinking.

📘 Want more practical tips like this?

Check out my home security guide: