18 Clever Hiding Places Burglars Never Look for Valuables

Written By Jill Taylor

Burglars often search common hiding places like wardrobes and drawers, so it’s key to think outside the box when protecting your valuables from them. You can outsmart these criminals by hiding your possessions in these clever, unconventional spots on our list.

In a Hollowed-Out Book

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You’ve probably seen this one in the movies! The NYT says, “fake books are becoming common fixtures in homes.” Hollowed-out books are an ideal place to hide your valuables. Make sure it blends in with your book collection, place it on your bookshelf, and no one will ever know!

Behind a Fake Wall Outlet

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Another creative way to keep your valuables safe from thieves is to hide them behind a fake wall outlet. You can buy fake outlet covers that look very real. If you do install one, make sure it doesn’t stand out from the real outlets, and then you are good to go!

In a Fake Plant Pot

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Plants are a great addition to the home, and it’s often hard to tell if they’re real or fake. Take advantage of this by using a fake plant pot to hide your valuables! Store your cash or jewelry in the base of the plant pot and leave the plant in an inconspicuous place.

In a Hidden Compartment of a Drawer

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Hidden compartments are pretty cool, right? They’re also a great way to make sure burglars can’t find your valuables. You can either buy drawers with hidden compartments or modify the drawers you already own to include a secret compartment or false bottom.

Inside a Wall Clock

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You can also buy wall clocks that have hidden compartments behind their faces. This hiding place is ideal for small valuables like cash, passports, or important documents. Just make sure the clock doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb and draw attention!

Wrapped in Foil in the Freezer

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It’s unlikely thieves will search your freezer for things to steal, making it a clever spot to hide your valuables. Wrap your items in several layers of aluminum foil to protect them from moisture damage, and then stash them inside a container in the freezer!

Inside a Curtain Rod

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I bet you never expected your curtain rod to come in handy for anything other than holding your curtains! You can insert small items into the rod and then replace the cap to protect them from burglars. Just don’t forget that’s where you hid them!

Behind a Hinged Air Vent

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Another smart place to put a secret compartment is behind a hinged air vent. If you ensure the vent looks functional and blends in with any other vents in your home, you can discreetly store your valuables behind it.

Inside a Fake PVC Pipe

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There are probably lots of pipes in your basement or garage, so one more fake pipe will never look out of place. Use a section of PVC pipe with removable end caps and store your precious items inside to keep them out of sight.

In an Empty Food Container

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Outsmart burglars by putting your valuables inside food containers and leaving them in your cabinet or pantry, among other items. According to The Guardian, “cereal, pasta and rice packets make the best hiding places.” Make sure you choose a container that looks ordinary!

Under a Loose Floorboard

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Often a favorite for secretive teenagers, hiding various items under a floorboard can be a clever place. Find a floorboard that can be easily lifted and put your expensive items in the space below it. When you replace the floorboard, make sure it doesn’t look tampered with.

In a Hollowed-Out Candle

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We all have candles sitting around that we never light! Maybe it’s time to give them a new purpose. To create a small hiding spot, choose a large candle and hollow out the center, ensuring the candle looks intact and unused from the outside.

In the Back of a Picture Frame

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You could add a hidden compartment to the back of a picture frame or simply hide cash or other thin valuables behind the photo inside of the frame itself. Hang the picture back on the wall, check it doesn’t look like it’s been disturbed, and voila!

Under the Carpet

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If you don’t have floorboards, you can still hide your valuables under the floor by creating a removable section of carpet. You can lift up part of your carpet in an inconspicuous area and store your items underneath. When replacing the carpet, be sure to check it lays flat and isn’t noticeable.

In a Hollowed-Out Bar of Soap

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Get creative to protect your valuables in the event of a burglary by hiding them in a bar of soap! Hollow out the center of a large bar of soap to create a small compartment for your items.

Behind a Baseboard

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Another option for making a DIY hidden safe is behind a baseboard. Find a section of baseboard that is tucked away behind furniture or in a discreet location, and create a detachable panel. Always make sure the baseboard looks secure and undisturbed!

Inside a Tennis Ball

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Somewhere a burglar would never think to look would be inside a tennis ball! You could cut a small slit into the tennis ball, place your valuables inside, and reseal the opening. Return the ball to your sports bag or with other sports equipment so it doesn’t stand out.

Above a Ceiling Tile

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If you have ceiling tiles, take advantage of the space above your head! Pick a tile that can be easily removed and replaced, and store the items you want to hide above it. Just be sure to replace the tile securely and seamlessly.

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