We’ve all been there: locked out and having to wait for family or housemates to return home to be able to get inside. Apart from calling a locksmith, a hidden spare key is a good way to ensure you can always gain access to your home. The problem is, you want to leave your spare key in a place that’s memorable for you, but not somewhere so obvious that you may as well hang a welcome sign for any would-be burglars. Here at DSB Locksmith, our team has some great do’s, don’ts, and tips for hiding your spare key outside of your home.
Where Not to Hide Your Key
This tip should be common sense for most people, but leaving a spare key in an obvious or commonly used place almost guarantees the chances of someone taking advantage. Some of the obvious hiding spots to be avoided include:
- Under a Welcome Mat: If you choose to hide your spare key underneath your welcome mat, you may as well be inviting a burglar into your home. Not only is this location itself a popular place to stash a key – going as far as to be used in movies and tv shows – elements such as wind and heavy rain can shift the mat to reveal this not so secret hiding spot.
- Letterbox: It may seem a convenient option, to leave your spare key in the letterbox, but there are many problems with this plan. For a start, the key can be knocked into the house by the postman delivering the post. Additionally, anyone looking for a way into your home is sure to at least swipe a hand into the letterbox on the off chance a key has been left there.
- Flower Pot: While hiding a key in a flowerpot can work, leaving your spare key in an alone flower pot by the front door is almost as bad as drawing a big red arrow pointing directly to the key. Even placing a fake rock with the key inside isn’t effective if it doesn’t blend in with everything nearby.
Some of the other places to avoid hiding a spare key include the outside windowsill, under a wheelie bin, and anywhere within 10 feet of the front door. Hiding a key further away from your door will deter lazy burglars who may have been looking for a quick opportunity.
Where You Could Hide Your Key
Now that we’ve covered the places to avoid, it’s time to look at some of the best places to hide a fake key. At DSB Locksmith, we’re savvy about the secret places homeowners use to keep their spare keys safe, including:
- With a Neighbour: Let’s be honest, the best and safest place to keep a spare key is behind a locked door, so who better than your neighbour? If you have a good relationship with your neighbour, ask them to hold onto a copy of your key so that, should you find yourself locked outside, you can simply pop next door and get your spare key.
- Under a Dog House: If you have a dog house and a dog that is kept outdoors while you’re away from home, hiding your spare key beneath said dog house is a great deterrent. Even small dogs can bite and many burglars won’t risk being hurt as, not only does it risk leaving behind evidence, but could lead to a hospital visit.
- Fake Rock or Sprinkler: Hiding your spare key inside a fake rock is great as long as there are similar-looking rocks around it so that it doesn’t stand out. If you have a sprinkler system, a fake sprinkler keyholder is almost indistinguishable from the real thing and blends in great with your home and garden.
Unfortunately, even the most well-hidden spare keys can be found, or some burglars may decide to skip the key bit and break-in, so it’s important to make sure you have a good home security system in place. A locksmith can help with that! Check out Locksmiths – Keeping Your Home Secure for more information.
Tips for Blending Fake Hiding Places
Fake hiding places include fake sprinklers, rocks, and ornaments that are specifically designed for concealing a spare key. However, you can’t just leave a fake rock sitting in an otherwise empty garden and hope it’ll be left alone. Some of the best ways to conceal fake items are by filling out your garden with rocks, shrubbery, and ornaments so that your key hide blends in and doesn’t look out of place. If you have a sprinkler system, purchasing a fake sprinkler to hide your key in is great if you want to keep your garden free of decor.
Why Choose a Haverhill Locksmith for Key Security
When it comes to key security, working with a local locksmith like DSB Locksmith in Haverhill ensures you receive expert advice and support. Our familiarity with the town, from the historic Haverhill Arts Centre to the busy A1307 route, means we understand local security challenges. We can recommend the safest places to hide your spare key, tailored to your home’s unique layout, and offer services like key cutting, lock changes, and security assessments to keep your property safe from potential intruders.
Locksmith Services to Safeguard Spare Keys in Haverhill
DSB Locksmith provides a variety of services that go beyond just helping you when locked out. If you’re based near areas like Chalkstone Way or along Withersfield Road, our locksmiths can install secure key safes or digital locks, eliminating the need to hide a physical spare key. With our rapid response locksmith services across Haverhill, including areas near the A143, you can rely on us to enhance your home’s security while offering practical key storage solutions.
The Risks of Poor Key Hiding Choices in Haverhill
Choosing the wrong hiding place for your spare key can leave your home vulnerable, especially in busy parts of Haverhill like Duddery Hill and the Market Square. As experienced locksmiths, DSB Locksmith has seen many security breaches caused by poorly hidden keys. We offer consultations to help you avoid common mistakes and suggest advanced security options, including keyless entry systems. With our local presence and quick service routes through Haverhill, your home security is always in safe hands.
Emergency Locksmith Help for Lost or Stolen Spare Keys
If your spare key is lost or stolen, quick action is vital. DSB Locksmith serves all of Haverhill, from the Samuel Ward Academy area to Sturmer Road, offering emergency rekeying services and lock replacements. Our team ensures that no unauthorised person can access your property, restoring your security immediately. With easy access to Haverhill’s major roads, including the A1307, we guarantee swift assistance whenever you need it, giving you peace of mind in any key-related emergency.
A Locksmith Can Help When You Get Locked Out
If you find yourself locked out and you haven’t had time to find a good location to hide your spare key, it’s time to get in touch with a locksmith. Not only are locksmiths qualified to get you back into your property, but they can also make you a spare key, get a broken key out of a lock, and change the locks on your property, whatever type they are, from traditional locks to uPVC locks.
Need more information? Get in touch with us today!
Still not sure how to hide your spare key in a place that’s convenient for you? Or maybe you want to know why you should use a professional locksmith for a wide range of services? Our team at DSB Locksmith is here to help! Feel free to get in touch with us today with queries, or questions, or to arrange one of our services!