Hiding in Plain Sight: 6 Sneaky Ways to Keep Your Valuables Safe

Sometimes simple is better, but when it comes to foiling a would-be robber, you need to think about creative ways to secure your valuables in places and objects where they simply won’t think to look. Whether you’re at home, in your car, on vacation, at the beach or even at the gym you can use everyday objects to conceal your money, keys, jewelry and other valuables besides a lock box or safe.

Here are six great ways to pull one over on the bad guys and make sure your stuff stays safe.

Whether it’s an empty shampoo bottle or spice jar, these are everyday items a burglar is not going to give a second glance. If you’re using a shampoo or conditioner bottle, make sure to clean it out thoroughly before adding your valuables. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a Ziploc before securing them in the bottle.

To reuse a spice jar, first empty and clean out the jar. Then paint the inside with glue and add spices or herbs again to coat the jar and give the appearance it is still full. Discard the extra herbs, put your stash in a plastic bag and insert into the jar. Seal the jar and place back in the spice cupboard.

If that sounds like a lot of work, there are pre-made trick bottles you can purchase, including a sunscreen bottle safe perfect for use at the beach.

Because most people don’t look in feminine napkin or tampon boxes unless they have to, this is a perfect place to hide some cash or jewelry. Make sure the box is full of actual products and your treasure is safely tucked away in the midst. If you’re on the go, using an empty applicator in a wrapper to conceal cash is one way to ensure sticky fingers will skip grabbing your moolah.

This one is great for the gym or park. It’s easy to snatch a wallet from a locker or gym bag, but thieves aren’t usually looking for an extra tennis ball. By making a slice in the tennis ball, you transform it into a secret hiding place that works similarly to those little, plastic coin purses that open when you squeeze them.

Squeeze the ball, insert your cash, watch or other valuables and release. The ball will pop right back into shape and no one will be the wiser. If you have a place at home where you keep sports equipment, this can be another place to hide valuables in plain sight at home as well.

When you’re traveling, one of the best ways to ensure your vacation won’t be spoiled by a mugging or robbery is to conceal your money, passport, and other important items close to your body. There are money pouches that easily attach under your clothes, to a belt, or can be worn around your neck or waist.

If you want to feel like a spy on your travels, there is an array of specially-made clothing designed with secret pockets and fancy security features to keep all of your valuables safe.

Everyone has probably stuffed their keys, hotel key, cell phone or wallet into a towel at the pool or beach. Obviously, that is not the best way to keep thieves from ruining the day by leaving you empty-handed. However, the idea is sound and has inspired the creation of the Towelmate.

This takes the basic roll it up in the towel idea and adds the extra security of a hidden, zippered pocket. There are several different versions available, and you’re sure to find one that provides the peace of mind you need at the beach or gym.

If you need to make sure your stuff stays safe in your car, it’s time to get more creative than shoving it in the glove box or throwing it in the trunk. And make sure whatever you need to hide in the car is well-hidden before you reach your final destination–you don’t want someone watching you hide your cell phone or tablet.

Think about placing smaller items in an empty soda can or drink cup. Placing items under the floor mats or between seat cushions are also better options than the glove box and trunk. For added security, you can take two identical floor mats and glue them together, leaving a secret compartment between them to slide in items you want to hide.

What other sneaky hiding tricks have you used to keep your valuables safe?

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