Only 13% of reported burglaries are solved by the police, and stolen assets are only recovered in half the cases that are solved. So, it makes sense for us to discuss not only preventing intruders from gaining access to our homes, but also preventing intruders from locating our most valuable assets if they do find a way inside.

Most of us keep our valuable assets in the same basic places inside our homes – which experienced burglars can read and understand like a treasure map. Our predictable behaviors are easily exploited by criminals. For example, many homeowners keep their valuable assets in common locations throughout their homes:

• Look around the primary bedroom for jewelry, cash, and guns
• Search the primary bathroom for prescription drugs
• Check out the primary bedroom closet for safes, designer clothing, and accessories
• Go through the kitchen cabinets – especially around the refrigerator – for bottles of liquor
• Expensive electronics will be in the living room and den
• If you need a car, look for keys by the garage door or in a bowl by the front door
• Valuable artwork is around the home’s social spaces and hallways
• Portable tools and expensive sports gear are in the garage

When it comes to keeping valuable belongings safe, consider storing them in unusual locations instead, where fast-moving burglars are less likely to search. It may be safest for you to store your valuable assets in nondescript and low-traffic locations, such as storage closets, a laundry room, or a utility area.

HomeFortis recommends each home have a fireproof safe installed or mounted to the house frame or floor. Be sure your safe is not visible from outside your home when you access it. If it is, simply close window shades and adjust the lighting before accessing your safe, to prevent observation from outside your home. Again – the location of the safe is important: ideally, you should avoid keeping it in the primary bedroom area, including the primary bathroom or closet.

Secure Storage of Medications

Homes with prescription painkillers and psychiatric medications may be at higher risk for some targeted crimes. These pills are small, lightweight, highly valuable, and very portable – the perfect target in a home robbery. They are so valuable that once a perpetrator finds a source, they are likely to come back for more again and again. They know these are a medical necessity for you, and if they take what you have on hand, you will get even more in a matter of days. Your prescription becomes their subscription. Avoid sharing with friends and social groups about what may be in your medicine cabinet – it’s best for your security to keep that information confidential.

Prescription narcotics, psychiatric, and other highly controlled medications should never be kept in the primary bathroom, because the primary bathroom is often the first place an experienced intruder will look for pills with street value. Instead, consider installing an in-wall safe in an unusual location, such as a laundry room, hall closet, or kitchen pantry. Be sure to secure the safe using a combination keypad or biometric lock to prevent unauthorized access by children or visitors.