Good Hiding Places For Valuables At Home

   
     My son's home has been broken into twice in the past month.    He is really devastated.  He lost some things he'll never get back.  Not to mention the emotional stress.  I'm thinking a few precautions on my part is warranted.  Times are tough and people seem to be doing some crazy things to survive.
     My mind goes blank when trying to think of a good hiding place.  Just when I think I've got it figured out, I'll second guess myself and become paranoid.  Burglars aren't mind readers are they? 
     I found a list of some common sense advice plus suggestions and tips for hiding that sock once I get it filled.  This is what I learned...

• Don't hide anything in the bedroom.  Thieves are very thorough when checking here.
• Don't hide anything in furniture with drawers.  Drawers are the first thing to be ransacked.
• Don't be paranoid.  If you have thought up a good location, relax, you probably have.
• BURGLARS CAN'T READ YOUR MIND!  That's what it said.

     Good hiding places are in the attic, basement or other out-of-the-way areas.  In the majority of burglaries the kitchen is never touched.  That's good to know.  Here's some ideas to try.

• Phony wall switches or generic label cans can be found by mail-order.  I've actually came across a fake head of lettuce in some one's fridge before.
• A hollowed out book is something else on the market that slides right on your bookshelf among the others, none the wiser.  Note:  If you choose to use a  real book, don't forget which book you chose.  Use the title to remind you.  For example, "Appreciating Life's Little Treasures".

• Inside zippered couch cushions.  They usually don't want your couch.
• Place valuables in a plastic bag and bury them in the dirt of a plant.
• Under the carpet would be a great place to hide a key.
• Wrapped up and labeled as food in the refrigerator or freezer.  That would fool anyone.
• In between stacks of pots in the kitchen.

     Your best hiding places for household valuables would be anything inconvenient to take apart or something that looks completely innocent.  For example:

• Inside an old, out-of-order vacuum cleaner or TV in the basement. 
• In a pile of scrap wood beneath the workbench. 
• In the middle of a sack of grass seed.

     I think you've got the idea.   

Related articles

• Best Place to Hide Money at Home (bargaineering.com)
• How-To: Hollow Book Jewelry Box (craftzine.com)
• Why thieves are targeting the middle classes (confused.com)