Millions of households across the UK are being urged to abandon a common convenience that security experts warn is a gift to criminals. The widespread habit of hiding a spare key near your front door could lead to a devastating burglary and even see your insurance claim rejected.
The Hidden Danger on Your Doorstep
For busy families, stashing a key under a doormat, in a flower pot, or under a garden ornament has long been a simple solution for forgotten keys. However, this practice is now considered a major security flaw. Burglars are acutely aware of these common hiding spots and will check them first for an easy, silent entry into your home.
This method of entry is particularly attractive to thieves as it doesn't attract the attention of neighbours or passersby, unlike forcing a door or breaking a window. The advice, highlighted in a report by the Express, is unequivocal: this habit must be left in the past.
Insurance Nightmare and Financial Ruin
The consequences of this lapse in security extend far beyond the initial violation of a break-in. If a thief uses a key to enter your property, your insurer may argue you failed to take reasonable care to secure your home. This could lead to them rejecting your claim entirely, leaving you to cover all losses from theft or damage.
Security professionals at the Online Spy Shop describe this double blow—being burgled and then denied insurance payout—as a "devastating setback" for any family or individual trying to recover.
Secure Alternatives and Essential Advice
So, what should you do if you need a spare key accessible? The recommended solution is to invest in a sturdy, fixed key safe or lockbox. These can be securely mounted and require a code to open, providing a far safer alternative to the traditional hide-and-seek approach.
The experts also issued further crucial advice for keeping your home safe:
- Keep all keys—for both house and car—out of sight from doors and windows. Thieves often "fish" for keys through letterboxes.
- Avoid broadcasting your absence on social media if you're going on holiday or away for a weekend.
- Cancel any regular deliveries, like milk or newspapers, that could pile up and signal your home is empty.
While it may seem like a small, convenient act, hiding a key in an obvious place is based on exactly how burglars operate. Breaking this habit is a simple, effective step towards significantly better home security.
