We’ve all been there at some point.

 

You’ve had a long day at work and arrive home ready to get inside, put the kettle on and wind down for the evening – then you begin rummaging around in your pockets or handbag, only to have the frustrating realisation that your house key is nowhere to be found.

 

Given how frustrating and inconvenient this can be, it’s little surprise that so many people decide to avoid this situation by hiding a spare key around their front door, under a doormat, plant pot or another item around the porch.

 

However, this doesn’t solve one problem so much as it creates an entirely new one. It may shock you to find that the majority of burglaries don’t happen as they do on the television, with the thief forcing entry into the home in the dead of night. A surprising percentage of all home invasions actually occur during the day – and without the culprit having to break into the home at all, usually due to the presence of an easily-accessible spare key.

 

For this reason, it’s time we all stopped hiding our spare keys where they can be accessed by those looking to target our homes. Here are five better places for your spare keys than under the doormat…

 

With A Trusted Neighbour

 

If you know of a neighbour that you trust, it’s always worth asking them if they mind holding onto a spare key to your home for you.

 

Of course, this works best if your neighbour spends plenty of time at home in order to avoid a long wait to collect your key. Even if they don’t, however, this is a much better idea security-wise than keeping your spare in a place where it can be easily accessed by those looking to target your home.

 

If you know of a family member or friend who lives close by and spends plenty of time at home, this is also a good option. Just make sure it’s somebody that you trust.

 

In A Lock Box

 

A lock box can be stored around your home in the same way that you previously stored your spare key, but having a combination lock between the key and the person trying to get to it certainly adds an extra level of safety and security.

 

Lock boxes are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased online or at a good hardware store, so it’s certainly worth picking one up. Just make sure you don’t forget the code!

 

Keep A Spare In Your Car

 

If you drive and keep your home and car keys separately, why not cut a spare key to keep inside your car?

 

Storing a spare house key within your glovebox or in another one of your car’s storage spaces is an ideal back-up plan, especially if you don’t leave your car at home during the day. However, if you do tend to leave your car on your driveway whilst you’re out of the house, this isn’t one we’d recommend – should your car be targeted by a criminal, they can then gain easy access to your home, too.

 

Purchase A Hiding Spot

 

These days, there are no shortage of creative house key hiding spots available online.

 

You can invest in hide-a-key products that look like everything from a hornet’s nest to a sprinkler to a pinecone, each one including a hidden compartment where you can place your spare key. Simply place your spare key inside and place the item somewhere that it will blend in around the front or back of your home.

 

One thing we would say is to ensure that the item looks realistic enough that it wouldn’t catch the attention of anyone looking to target your home as being out of place. It may also be best to avoid fake rock hide-a-keys – under a rock, real or fake, is likely one of the first places a burglar would think to look for your spare.

 

Invest In A Smart Lock

 

If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, smart locks are becoming increasingly popular in the 2020s.

 

They may look a little clunky and be rather expensive to install, but they’re a great option for those who frequently find themselves locked out of their homes and don’t have access to a better hiding place – for example, those who live in an apartment building or don’t have a front garden or porch.

 

Locked Out?

 

Whether you have lost your key and find yourself locked out, or a burglary attempt has left you needing a brand-new lock, call DB Locksmiths. Based in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, our 24-hour emergency locksmiths are on hand to provide the assistance that you need. When you work with us, you can rest assured that every lock comes from a reputable manufacturer and that all work is completed to the highest standard.

 

So if you find yourself locked out in St Helens, Newton-le-Willow or Warrington, then call our emergency locksmiths on 01925 348 032 immediately.