Why You Should Never Hide a Spare Key Outside Your Home

We've all done it — hidden a spare key under the doormat, inside a fake rock, under a plant pot, or above the door frame. It feels like a clever solution to the problem of being locked out. But burglars know every hiding spot, and a hidden key is essentially an open invitation.

Professional burglars routinely check all common key hiding spots before attempting to force entry. Under doormats and plant pots are the first places they look, followed by fake rocks, meter boxes, wheelie bins, and above door frames. Even supposedly clever hiding spots like inside bird boxes, under garden ornaments, or taped to the underside of a garden table are well-known to criminals.

So what should you do instead? The safest option is a key safe — a sturdy metal box with a combination lock that's fixed to an exterior wall. Key safes are widely used by care agencies and emergency services for exactly this purpose. They cost from around £20-£50 and are quick to install. Choose a model that's Sold Secure approved for the best protection.

Alternatively, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member who lives nearby. This has the added benefit of someone being able to check on your property when you're away. Just make sure your spare key isn't labelled with your address.

A smart lock is another option — you can never lose a code or a fingerprint. And if you're worried about your phone dying, most smart locks include a physical key backup as well.

Need a key safe fitted in Oldham? Call Oldham Locksmiths on 07949 139 475. We supply and install Sold Secure key safes across the Oldham borough.