9 Super Secret Places to Hide Your Spare Keys: Expert Tips For Perth Homeowners

When it comes to home security, one of the most common dilemmas is finding a safe place to hide a spare key. While having a spare key can be a lifesaver in emergencies, hiding it in an obvious location can make your home vulnerable to burglars. This guide is designed to help Perth homeowners make smart choices when it comes to concealing spare keys, offering expert tips and creative solutions that go beyond the usual hiding spots.

Understanding the Importance of Secure Key Hiding

Before diving into specific hiding spots, it’s essential to understand why the location of your spare key matters. Perth, like any other city, has its share of break-ins and thefts, making home security a top priority. Burglars often look for easy access points, and an improperly hidden key can make your home an easy target. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Avoid Common Hiding Spots: Thieves are familiar with the most common hiding places, such as under the doormat, inside the mailbox, or beneath a flowerpot. These spots might seem convenient, but they’re also the first places a burglar will check.
2. Think Like a Burglar: When choosing a hiding spot, consider the areas that a thief is likely to overlook. The best hiding places are those that blend seamlessly into their surroundings or are difficult to access without drawing attention.
3. Consider the Environment: Perth’s climate, with its hot summers and occasional heavy rains, should influence where you hide your spare key. Certain spots may be more susceptible to weather damage, potentially exposing your key or making it difficult to retrieve.

Creative and Secure Hiding Spots

Now that we’ve established the importance of secure hiding, let’s explore some of the best places to stash your spare key. These options range from traditional to unconventional, but all are designed to keep your key safe and out of sight.

1. Fake Rocks with a Twist

Fake rocks are a popular choice for hiding keys, but their effectiveness depends on their placement. Instead of placing it in a predictable spot, such as near the front door, consider these alternatives:

• Garden Beds: Bury the fake rock among other rocks or plants in your garden. Ensure it blends in with its surroundings, making it difficult for anyone to distinguish from the real rocks.
• Pathways: Place the fake rock along a garden pathway, where it can naturally blend in with the other stones. The key here is to make sure it doesn’t stand out as out of place.

2. Birdhouse Hideaway

A birdhouse can be a great disguise for a spare key. This method offers a few advantages:

• Out of Reach: By placing the birdhouse high enough, you make it less accessible to intruders while still being easy for you to retrieve.
• Blending In: Ensure the birdhouse fits in with your garden or yard’s aesthetic, so it doesn’t attract unnecessary attention.

3. Under the Dog House

If you have a dog, their doghouse can be an excellent place to hide a spare key. Here’s why:

• Intimidation Factor: The presence of a dog can deter would-be burglars from getting too close to the doghouse.
• Hard to Access: A key hidden beneath a heavy doghouse is not only difficult to find but also hard to retrieve without making noise or drawing attention.

4. Inside a Secure Electrical Outlet

Installing a fake electrical outlet is a clever way to conceal your spare key. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Realistic Appearance: Choose a location that makes sense, such as near an outdoor patio or in the garage. Make sure the fake outlet looks identical to the real ones around it.
• Secure Installation: Ensure the outlet is securely fastened to the wall, so it doesn’t give away its secret function.

5. Behind a Loose Brick

If your home or garden has a brick wall, you can create a hidden compartment by loosening one of the bricks. Here’s why this works:

• Natural Camouflage: A loose brick looks like part of the wall, making it an ideal place to hide a key without drawing attention.
• Durability: Bricks are weather-resistant, so your key will be safe from Perth’s weather conditions.

6. Inside a Decorative Lawn Ornament

Lawn ornaments, such as statues, gnomes, or planters, can be modified to serve as hiding spots. Here’s how to make it work:

• Hidden Compartments: Choose an ornament that can be easily hollowed out or has a pre-existing hollow space. This allows you to store the key securely inside.
• Discreet Placement: Place the ornament in a location where it blends in with the rest of your garden decor, making it unlikely to attract attention.

7. Magnetic Key Holders Under Metal Objects

Magnetic key holders are small, discreet, and can be attached to metal surfaces. Here are some ideal spots:

• Under the Car: Attach the magnetic key holder under your car or a metal object in your driveway. It’s out of sight, and only someone who knows its location will think to look there.
• Metal Outdoor Furniture: If you have metal outdoor furniture, a magnetic key holder can be attached to the underside, making it nearly impossible to spot.

8. In a Shed or Garage

If you have a locked shed or garage, consider hiding your spare key inside:

• Hidden Inside Tools: Store the key inside a tool that’s rarely used, such as a power drill case or a toolbox.
• Under a Floor Mat: If your shed or garage has a floor mat, you can tape the key underneath it, keeping it out of sight.

9. With a Trusted Neighbor

Sometimes the best hiding spot is not on your property at all. Here’s why leaving your spare key with a neighbor can be a good idea:

• Mutual Trust: Choose a neighbor you trust completely. This option works well if you have a close-knit community and know your neighbors well.
• Easy Access: In case of emergencies, you won’t have to search for the key; you can simply ask your neighbor.

What to Avoid When Hiding a Spare Key

While the above suggestions offer secure hiding spots, there are certain places you should avoid at all costs. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Under the Doormat: This is the most obvious hiding place and the first spot a burglar will check.
• In the Mailbox: Easy access to your mailbox means easy access to your key.
• Inside Fake Objects That Stand Out: Fake rocks or other objects that look out of place can attract attention rather than deter it.
• In the Wallet or Car Glovebox: If your wallet or car gets stolen, the thief will have access to your house key.

Extra Security Measures

In addition to hiding your spare key securely, consider these extra security measures:

• Keyless Entry Systems: Modernize your home’s security by installing a keyless entry system. This eliminates the need for a spare key altogether and allows you to control access via a keypad or smartphone app.
• Smart Locks: Upgrade to smart locks that can be unlocked remotely or through biometric verification, further enhancing security.
• Locksmith Services: If you’re concerned about the security of your locks, consult a professional locksmith in Perth to assess your current setup and recommend upgrades.

Balance Convenience with Security

Finding the right place to hide a spare key is about balancing convenience with security. While it’s crucial to have easy access in case of emergencies, it’s equally important to ensure that your hiding spot is not easily discoverable by burglars. By following the tips in this guide, Perth homeowners can make informed decisions and protect their homes from potential break-ins.

Remember, the best security measure is to stay one step ahead. Regularly reassess your hiding spot and consider rotating it periodically to keep your home secure. Whether you opt for a creative solution like a birdhouse hideaway or invest in modern smart lock technology, keeping your spare key safe is a crucial aspect of home security.

For personalized advice or professional locksmith services in Perth, don’t hesitate to contact your local experts. They can provide tailored solutions to fit your home’s unique needs and ensure your property remains secure.