You might think the cash tucked beneath your mattress or the jewelry hidden in a dresser drawer is safe because nobody knows it’s there. Unfortunately, some of the most popular hiding places are also the ones police warn homeowners to avoid. Burglars don’t need to search every inch of a house to find valuables when so many people store their most expensive possessions in predictable locations.
The Naperville Police Department specifically identifies bedrooms, closets, jewelry boxes, and several familiar household hiding spots as places homeowners should avoid using for valuables. While no two burglaries follow exactly the same pattern, understanding these common targets can help you protect cash, family heirlooms, and other possessions that may be difficult or impossible to replace. Here are five places burglars may look for money and jewelry, along with better ways to protect what you’ve worked hard to accumulate.