12 Hiding Spots Burglars Always Look First in Virginia Homes
Many Virginians think they’ve got a secret hiding spot at home that’s totally genius. A little cash under the mattress, jewelry in a shoebox, maybe a spare key under the flowerpot out front.
Feels smart, right?
Unfortunately, burglars know all these hiding places—and then some. When someone breaks into a house, they don’t wander around clueless. They go straight for the usual suspects.
If you’ve been using one of these spots, it’s time to get a little more creative.
Under the Mattress
This is probably the oldest trick in the book. Grandma did it, your mom probably did it, and chances are, someone reading this right now has a stack of emergency cash tucked under their bed.
But here’s the thing: burglars often look there first. It’s almost like hiding something in plain sight.
They don’t even have to work for it. Flip the mattress, boom—there’s your life savings in a Ziploc bag. Even if you taped it to the frame or stuffed it inside the box spring, there’s still a good chance they’ll find it.
The bottom line?
If your hiding strategy involves your bed, it’s time to rethink it.
Inside the Freezer
Oh yes, the old “hide it in the freezer” trick. People love this one. They wrap up money in foil like it’s leftovers and stick it next to the frozen waffles, thinking no one will ever notice.
But let’s be honest—this one’s been exposed on practically every crime show and true-crime podcast out there.
Burglars expect to find something chilly in the freezer. They’ll dig through frozen peas, check inside ice cream containers, and pull apart microwave meals.
So if you’ve got your grandma’s wedding ring chilling next to a bag of pizza rolls, maybe give that a second thought.
The freezer isn’t some secret vault anymore—it’s a top-5 hotspot for crooks.
Dresser Drawers
Dressers are like burglar playgrounds. There’s usually a bunch of drawers, and most people think they’re being clever by stuffing valuables under a stack of socks or buried beneath their jeans.
But that’s exactly what thieves hope you’ll do.
You can count on them yanking those drawers open and tossing stuff around like they’re in a rush (because, well, they are). J
ewelry, watches, random cash—it’s all up for grabs if it’s in there. And if it’s hidden in something soft, like rolled-up shirts or old PJs? That’s even easier to search.
So yeah, as cozy and convenient as your dresser seems, it’s not the secure little treasure chest you might think it is.
Bathroom Cabinets
You wouldn’t think the bathroom would be a hotspot for burglars, but oh, it is. People hide stuff in medicine cabinets, under the sink, even in empty pill bottles or tampon boxes.
Just like you’ve seen hiding hacks on TikTok, burglars have, too.
Hiding jewelry in a Band-Aid box?
Old move.
Slipping cash into the back of the toilet paper stash?
Please.
If it’s in the bathroom and it looks even remotely suspicious, they’re probably going to find it. The bathroom feels like a random spot, so homeowners think it’s safe. But in reality, it’s just another place on the burglar’s checklist.
Kitchen Cupboards
Hiding your valuables in a box of cereal or behind the flour might’ve worked when you were a kid trying to keep your Halloween candy safe. But adults trying to outsmart burglars?
Not so much.
The kitchen is actually a huge target. Burglars go through cupboards, cookie jars, pasta boxes—whatever looks like it could hide something small.
And yes, they will dump a bag of sugar out if they think there’s something inside.
So if your “safe place” is wedged between a can of green beans and the toaster? It’s time to come up with something better. Burglars know kitchens can be treasure troves for folks who think they’re being sly.
Closets
Closets might seem like chaos to you, but to a burglar? That’s potential jackpot territory.
People hide things in shoeboxes, coat pockets, purses, and random old bags all the time. And crooks know it.
They’ll pull everything out and go through it fast. Got an old suitcase in the back? They’re checking it. A winter coat that hasn’t moved in months? Yup, they’re digging in those pockets too.
It’s easy to think that something buried under a pile of scarves is safe.
But burglars are good at digging.
Nightstands
The nightstand is like the VIP section of the bedroom for burglars. That little drawer next to the bed often holds something good, if only prescription medicine.
People toss cash, jewelry, even their wallets or keys in their nightstands without even thinking.
Burglars go straight for it. It’s one of the first things they check. And they’re not going to miss it just because you put your ring under a box of tissues or a flashlight.
It’s super convenient for you, which makes it super convenient for them too.
If it’s next to your bed, chances are, it’s already on their radar.
Behind Picture Frames
Hiding stuff behind picture frames sounds smart… until you remember that literally every crime show ever has shown that trick.
It’s not a secret anymore.
Crooks will check behind anything that looks like it might have a hollow back or a loose nail. If there’s a picture hanging just a little crooked, they’ll spot it in a second. Some frames even have little hidden compartments, and yes—they know about those too.
So if you’ve taped a couple of $100 bills behind a photo of your dog, it might be time to try something new.
That trick is way too common now.
Toilet Tank
People actually hide stuff in the toilet tank. Like, inside the top where the water is. Sure, it seems a little gross, which is why folks assume burglars won’t bother.
But news flash—they totally will.
It takes two seconds to lift that lid. And if there’s a baggie of cash or a tiny safe box in there, it’s gone. You’re not the first genius to think of it, and crooks know that bathroom trick way too well.
If your valuables are swimming next to the flapper valve, you might want to find them a new home—preferably one that doesn’t involve plumbing.
Laundry Hampers
Dirty laundry seems like a burglar deterrent, right? Who wants to dig through someone’s gym clothes or week-old socks?
Apparently, burglars don’t mind at all.
They know people hide things under clothes or inside pillowcases in the hamper. Some even go the extra mile and sew secret pockets into towels or sweatshirts. Nice try—but not good enough.
If a thief’s already in your house, you better believe they’ll flip that laundry basket without hesitation. Funky smells don’t stop them from sniffing out valuables.
Inside Books or Fake Book Safes
Those hollowed-out books you can buy online? Or the sneaky DIY ones where you cut out pages and stash cash inside?
Yeah… burglars know about those too.
A shelf full of books might not seem interesting at first, but if there’s one that looks extra out of place—or if the cover says something ridiculous like “The History of Boring Finance”—they’ll usually take a peek.
Fake books are not new, and crooks have seen them before.
Even hiding money inside a regular book isn’t foolproof. Burglars don’t have to read—they just flip pages and shake stuff out. So unless you’ve got a really boring library, books aren’t the safest spot for your valuables.
Under Rugs or Floor Mats
Sliding something under the rug by the front door might seem sneaky… until you realize everyone does it. Spare keys, cash, emergency credit cards—they all end up under rugs at some point.
Burglars know to check there immediately. It’s one of the first places they look when they walk in. Same goes for mats in the kitchen or bathroom.
Even if the hiding spot feels random to you, it’s totally obvious to them.
If your plan is “hide it under something flat,” just know that a burglar’s already five steps ahead of you. That rug’s not fooling anyone.
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