Many Floridians are concerned about their home security, especially with the recent increase in property crimes in the state. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 267,559 burglaries were recorded in 2022, an 8.7% increase over the previous year.
While some burglaries are unplanned and opportunistic, others are carefully planned and executed by astute thieves who know where to hunt for goods. If you believe you have a smart hiding place for your cash, jewels, or other valuable stuff, think again. Here are seven secret areas that thieves investigate first when breaking into Florida houses.
1. Under the Mattress
This is undoubtedly the oldest and most obvious hiding place in the book, yet some individuals continue to utilize it out of convenience or a lack of other choices. However, robbers are aware of this and will go directly to the master bedroom and remove the mattress to examine what’s below. If you don’t want to lose your hard-earned cash or treasured goods, avoid this location at all costs.
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2. In the freezer
Some individuals believe that storing their valuables in the freezer is a good idea since a thief is unlikely to go through your frozen food. However, burglars are aware of this typical hiding area and will search your freezer for any strange containers or parcels containing cash or gold. Furthermore, you risk ruining your valuables due to moisture or temperature fluctuations.
3. In Dresser Drawers
Another convenient and accessible hiding area is in your dresser drawers, particularly those containing your underwear or socks. You may believe that a burglar would not bother going through your personal belongings, but they would. They may even throw the contents of your drawers on the floor to ensure they don’t forget anything. Do not make it simple for them to locate your valuables by hiding them in plain sight.
4. Inside the Closet
You may have a box, bag, or suitcase in your closet where you keep your valuables, believing that it is out of sight and out of mind. However, criminals will search your closet for possible treasure and will not hesitate to open or smash any containers that may contain valuable items. If you have a safe in your closet, make sure it is bolted down and secured with a solid lock; otherwise, burglars may take it away.
5. Inside the Medicine Cabinet
Some individuals conceal valuables in their medicine cabinets, believing that robbers are solely interested in prescription medicines or painkillers. Burglars may also hunt for cash, jewelry, or other valuables that may be quickly sold or pawned. If you have any valuables in your medicine cabinet, relocate them somewhere more secure.
6. A flower vase
A flower vase may appear to be a pretty and harmless item, yet it might draw the attention of thieves hunting for hidden valuables. Some people hide their riches in empty flower vases, believing that no one will detect them. However, robbers may inspect your flower vases for clues of secret compartments or fake bottoms, and they may even destroy them to see what’s inside. If you wish to utilize a flower vase as a hiding place, make sure it has some flowers to make it appear less suspicious.
7. Office desk drawers
Your home office may appear to be a secure and private area to store your assets, particularly if you have a lockable desk drawer or filing cabinet. However, robbers may target your workplace because they know you store sensitive papers, checks, or technological gadgets there. They may use tools or force to unlock your drawers or cupboards, and they may even remove your entire PC or laptop. If you have any valuables at your workplace, ensure they are encrypted, backed up, and password-protected.
Summary
To summarize, the increase in property crimes in Florida has raised worries about home security. With 267,559 burglaries recorded in 2022, individuals should evaluate typical hiding places. Thieves prioritize locations such as beneath the mattress, freezer, dresser drawers, closet, medicine cabinet, flower vases, and office desk drawers. To protect valuables, homeowners should use more secure and innovative concealment techniques.