Hiding a spare key outside of your home is a convenient way to ensure you never have to make a call to a locksmith. You can also use that spare key to let friends or family into your home if they need to get in and don’t have their own key. Convenience aside, that hidden key could be seriously compromising the safety and security of your home. Poor hiding places make it all too easy for thieves to find their way inside. Avoid these notoriously bad hiding places next time you want to leave a spare key outside!

Doormats

Placing a key under your doormat is so dangerous, you might as well not bother to lock the door at all! This is the first place an intruder will look if they want easy access into your home. Even if you can’t tell the key is under there by looking at the mat, everyone knows it’s a common hiding place to check.

In an Obvious Key Holder

Fake rocks and other accessories are sold to hide spare keys in. The problem, however, is that most of those devices are painfully obvious. Don’t use a fake rock or another obvious implement to house your spare key. If you do, be sure not to place it in an area with no other rocks or outdoor items. That will cause it to stick out even more! Flowerpots beside the entrance of your home include obvious key holders too. Even if it’s under a layer of dirt, finding it will take no time at all.

Close to the Door

Did you know most people hide their spare key within 15 feet of the door? Even if you didn’t know that home intruders definitely do! Place the key at least 20 feet away from the door that it opens to lower the risk of someone locating it. This includes railings, door trim, and other convenient locations. If a home intruder looks in all of the typical places and can’t locate a spare key, they’ll likely stop wasting their time and move on to a different target.

In the Mailbox

Even if your mailbox is over 15 feet from the door, it’s a poor choice for a hiding spot. That includes taped to the top, sides, or bottom of the mailbox! If the key can’t be found close to the entrance, the mailbox will be the next place a possible intruder checks.

Where do I hide my spare key?

Our recommendation is not hiding a spare key at all. installing a Keypad for entry is an option. Or, if you would like a spare key in case you forgot yours or would like to grant people access to your home when your not there, installing a small lockbox that requires a combo is another good choice. The placement of this lock box is also important as you don’t want to leave it right out in open. Give us a call if you are considering adding a lockbox and need ideas on where to put it!

Secure Lock and Alarm: Massachusets Security Experts

If you need an audit of your home’s security, give the experts at Secure Lock and Alarm a call today. We will work with you and help you understand today’s security threats that pertain to your residence.