Where to Hide Valuables at Home. Tips Please.

[mawnansmiff]

Currently I'm living in a 2 bedroomed flat/apartment on the first floor (the floor above ground level) and have only the one point of entry. I regard this as being pretty secure though not entirely burglar proof. That said, the area I live in is regarded as very safe when it comes to all types of crime.

However, later this year or more likely early next year I will be buying a new place, much larger and with likely 2 or 3 entry points at ground level. The place I'll be moving to will be totally new to me.

My valuables consist mainly of my collection of about 35 American railroad grade pocket watches & my collection of about 25 quality wristwatches. I currently have no specific hiding places for these as I feel pretty safe in my home though I do have one of those 'book safes' for hiding medals & large amounts of cash.

What I'd like to hear about are places in the home where I might hide away my above collections so that your typical housebreaker is not likely to find them in a hurry.

I've thought about the loose floorboard thing but dismissed it as unlikely to be found in a house these days. An indoor safe is out.....the thief would just steal the safe & open it at leisure.

So guys, where to hide my stuff....any ideas gratefully accepted.

BTW, one of the first purchases I'll be making in my new home will be a quality alarm system!

Regards,

Jay.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Maybe behind some modern day books?

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Hide them along with your gun, right by your bed... and don't list your valuables in public.

But more seriously.. use the back of the toilet, the tank part. The water in there is clean and fresh. Use plastic bags if you feel the need.

 

[Infantry23]

Toilet tank is good.... don't forget to leave the gun and take the cannoli!

Seriously, I'm sure laws where you are are much different than where I am located. I have an alarm system and firearms.

 

[mso489]

Rule number one: Don't tell people where you hide stuff around the house. Rule number two; Safe deposit box.

 

[sablebrush52]

When you have your alarm system installed, make sure that it includes motion sensors on all windows, as well as the garage doors. Sector interior motion sensors are a must. Having your house thus outfitted makes it more likely that a burglar will decide to hit your neighbor's house instead, since it's an easier target.

Despite what you said, I am going to recommend that you get a document safe. Pick an inconspicuous closet and place it in the back where you can place the usual crap in front to hide it from view. The document safe has the advantage of providing your treasures protection in case of fire. If you are dead set against a safe of any kind, then choose an ordinary cardboard box, something that won't attract attention.

Once the alarm is tripped, and the laser cannon are deployed, an intruder is going to be looking for a fast haul and is not going to be prowling the inner recesses of your home.

I also recommend a guard dog. Great company for you, and a throat ripper for somebody else

 

[mawnansmiff]

I should have added....no firearms thanks.

Regards,

Jay.

 

[paulfg]

I should have added....no firearms thanks.

Regards,

Jay.

And I wouldnt want my watches anywhere near the toilet cistern

 

[sablebrush52]

And I wouldnt want my watches anywhere near the toilet cistern

I can't imagine why not.

 

[paulfg]

I can't imagine why not.

Probably the same reason you won't be hiding your best Barling there.

 

[mawnansmiff]

I can't imagine why not.

Not all of my watches have water resistance,,,,,and none of my pocket watches do.

Still, I take of my Tudor (500m wr) & Omega (300m wr) just to have a wash....so having them sit in a bag in the cistern would give me the willies.

Regards,

Jay.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I can think of no spot to hide valuables that even a sophomore robber wouldn't check if he had time.

Therefor an alarm system seems necessary. And a dog would be great! I would be missing a lot of love if my lab weren't here.

Best of luck!

 

[paulfg]

Not all of my watches have water resistance,,,,,and none of my pocket watches do.

Still, I take of my Tudor (500m wr) & Omega (300m wr) just to have a wash....so having them sit in a bag in the cistern would give me the willies.

Regards,

Jay.

Yeah American railroad watches were made to be good timekeepers not go swimming

 

[mawnansmiff]

Though the thought of a dog appeals (I so miss my beloved 'Poppy'), but dogs need walking and I can barely walk myself!

Deposit box in a bank is out as I'd miss the opportunity to randomly dig the pocket watches out just to enjoy them. Regards the wristwatches, they'd need to be in the house as I rotate every Sunday to a different watch (Omega Seamaster 8800 this week).

Regards,

Jay.

 

[kcghost]

You have some pretty stringent requirements. You are dreaming if you think there is any place in a home that the bad guys won't find quickly. I would suggest you get plenty of insurance on the items you want to protect. And do what sable says.

 

[warren]

Wall or floor safe and a decent alarm system with decent video. A free ranging cobra, pictures on the door, would likely deter a burglar. But, I'm not sure how to peacefully coexist with loose viper. And, there's a right serious conundrum.

 

[Kobold]

When I was a young boy I cut a hole in my box spring and hid my Playboy collection there. My mother never found it so I think that’s a pretty secure place.

 

[shanez]

A quality safe is probably your best bet.

A good quality safe that can be bolted down like these: Heritage

Or something like good concealment furniture like these: TSSi

These are just a couple of the many quality manufacturers out there.

 

[Sailingtiger]

I have nothing of value But we have our important papers in a fireproof locked safe in the basement. If house burns down they are good. Jewelry weapons etc. are covered under homeowners policy but check the limits of course. In a previous life, I built a store and the contractor put a floor safe in the concrete, lid was metal with a combination lock. Not suitable for a rental but if you ever own a place could be good.
Bank safe deposits are good but in the event that you happen to die access can be messy depending if you are the only one with access. You probably want your spouse of a family member to have a backup key and signature card if you trust of course.
The toilet deal has been used by mobsters and drug dealers so it works
Cheers

 

[jpmcwjr]

When I was a young boy I cut a hole in my box spring and hid my Playboy collection there. My mother never found it so I think that’s a pretty secure place.

For magazines! And your mom wasn't a professional robber, I bet!
And I doubt Jay would want to have ticking watches so close at night!