5 Spare Key Hiding Spots Burglars Check First

The fake rock by the porch step is not fooling anyone, least of all the person who wants in. Unlock Indy LLC has seen every creative hiding place homeowners can dream up, and most of them take an intruder under a minute to find. Here are the five spots to retire today, plus a smarter lock installation option that makes the spare key unnecessary.

1. Under the Doormat

It is the first place anyone looks, and it has been for decades. Lifting a mat takes no effort and draws no attention from neighbors. A key here is an open door with one extra step.

2. Inside the Fake Rock

Hollow rocks are sold by the thousands, which means burglars know exactly what they look like. The plastic sheen, the too-perfect shape, and the fact that it sits alone by the steps give it away instantly. In fact, one that stands out from the actual landscaping is a flashing sign.

3. On Top of the Door Frame

The ledge above the door feels clever because it is out of sight, but it is also the second place hands go after the mat. Anyone tall enough to reach it can sweep the frame in a single motion. Because it is so common, it offers no real protection at all.

4. In a Flower Pot or Planter

Tucking a key under the pot or into the soil seems discreet until someone tips it over. Pots near the entry are always checked, and dumping one out takes seconds. The same goes for the grill lid, the mailbox, and the light fixture beside the door.

5. In the Car Parked in the Driveway

Leaving a house key in the glove box means a car break-in becomes a home break-in. Vehicles parked outside are easy targets, and the registration inside tells the thief exactly which house the key opens. Keep house keys and car keys separate whenever possible.

Skip the Hiding Game Entirely

If you're a homeowner in Indianapolis, IN, the best thing you can do is stop stashing keys altogether. Instead, go with a keypad or smart deadbolt that opens with a code you control. Here at Unlock Indy LLC, we also offer key duplication for the people who truly need a copy, and 24-hour locksmith service for the day you get locked out anyway. Ready to retire the fake rock? Contact us at (317) 590-2842.