You need a spare key. Everyone does. Lockouts happen, keys get lost, and having backup access is sensible planning.
But where you store that spare key matters enormously. The wrong choice hands your home to anyone who knows where to look.
Where Criminals Look First
The Obvious Spots
Burglars know the classic hiding places:
- Under the doormat - Always checked first
- Under flowerpots - Second most common
- Fake rocks - Third (and criminals recognise them)
- Inside meter boxes - Known vulnerable spot
- On door frame ledge - Easy sweep finds them
- In mailbox - Commonly checked
- Under garden ornaments - Predictable patterns
Why “Hidden” Fails
Your hiding spot isn’t as unique as you think:
- Neighbours use similar spots
- Patterns are predictable
- Time is on the burglar’s side
- Unsuccessful checks cost them nothing
"If you can think of the hiding spot in 5 seconds, so can a criminal. Creativity isn’t protection when millions of people have the same “creative” ideas.
Safe Storage Options
Option 1: Trusted Person (Best)
Leave a spare with someone you trust:
- Nearby neighbour - Quick access when needed
- Family member - Reliable but may live far
- Close friend - Depends on proximity
- Work colleague - If they live nearby
Advantages:
- No hiding spot to discover
- Key is guarded by another person
- Flexible retrieval options
- Can be called if you’re locked out at night
Considerations:
- Relationship must be trustworthy
- They need to be reliably available
- Distance affects usefulness in lockouts
Option 2: Key Safe (Good)
A coded lockbox mounted outside your property:
What to look for:
- Solid metal construction
- Weather-resistant
- Minimum 4-digit code
- Secure wall mounting
- Sold Secure certification ideal
Proper installation:
- Mount to solid wall (not fence or wood)
- Use security screws (cannot be easily removed)
- Position away from obvious sightlines
- Consider concealment (behind planting, etc.)
Option 3: Secure Deposit (Occasional Access)
For less frequent emergency access:
- Bank safe deposit box - Very secure, limited hours
- With your solicitor - Professional holding
- Trusted workplace - If you work nearby
These are backup-backup options—not for routine lockout use.
Where Not to Store Keys
Garden and Exterior
Avoid anywhere that:
- Can be found by systematic search
- Is accessible to anyone approaching the property
- Follows predictable patterns
- Could be discovered by contractors or visitors
Inside Vehicles
Risks:
- Car theft includes house access
- Car break-in reveals your address (documents) and key
- Keys in common areas (glovebox, console) are found quickly
Hidden “In Plain Sight”
Tricks that don’t work:
- Fake sprinkler heads
- Hollowed books on outdoor shelves
- Inside BBQ or garden furniture
- Under children’s playhouse
Criminals aren’t fooled by products sold specifically as hiding spots.
Key Safe Selection Guide
Quality Indicators
| Feature | Good | Better |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid steel | Reinforced steel |
| Code | 4-digit | 10-digit or more |
| Mounting | Wall fixing | Security fixings provided |
| Weather | Sealed | IP-rated protection |
| Certification | None | Sold Silver/Secured Diamond |
Installation Tips
- Mount at height that’s not immediately visible but accessible
- Use all provided fixing points
- Consider adding silicone around edges for weatherproofing
- Test that code works before relying on it
Code Management
- Set a random, memorable (to you) code
- Don’t use obvious sequences (1234, 0000)
- Record the code securely elsewhere
- Change after sharing with temporary users
- Change if neighbourhood has security concerns
Managing Multiple Keys
Key Control Awareness
Over time, keys multiply:
- Spare with neighbour
- Spare with family
- One you gave a cleaner years ago
- One a builder had during renovation
- The spare from when you first moved in
"Most homeowners have no idea how many copies of their keys exist or who holds them. This is a significant security risk of lost keys.
Regular Review
Periodically consider:
- Who has copies?
- Are all holders still appropriate?
- Should locks be rekeyed?
- Is your key safe code still private?
When to Rekey
Change locks or rekey cylinders when:
- You move into a new property
- A relationship ends
- Someone untrustworthy had access
- You’ve lost track of copies
- There’s been a nearby break-in
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to leave a spare key under the doormat?
No. This is the first place burglars check. Under doormats, flowerpots, fake rocks, and above door frames are all well-known hiding spots that offer no real security.
What is a key safe and are they secure?
A key safe is a small combination or digital lockbox mounted on your wall. Quality key safes with police-approved ratings are very secure. Cheap models can be vulnerable to attack.
Should I give a spare key to my neighbour?
A trusted, reliable neighbour is one of the best spare key solutions. Choose someone you trust completely, who is usually home, and who will notice if someone unexpected claims to need the key.
Are digital key solutions safe?
Smart locks with backup codes, virtual keys, and key sharing apps can be secure if using quality products with good encryption. They eliminate physical key storage risks.
Are key safes actually secure?
Quality key safes are reasonably secure. They resist casual attack and require codes to open. They're not impenetrable but are far better than hidden keys. Choose products with certifications.
Can I give my key safe code to delivery drivers?
Some key safes are designed for this with short-term or one-time codes. For regular deliveries, it's a security decision—every person who knows the code increases risk.
How often should I test my spare key?
Annually at least. Keys can be cut badly, locks can be changed, and you want to discover issues before you're locked out.
What happens if my neighbour with my spare key moves away?
Retrieve your key before they leave. Establish a new holder immediately—the gap is when lockouts most inconveniently occur.
Take Action
Review your current spare key situation:
- Where are your spare keys now?
- Would a burglar find them in 5 minutes?
- Who has copies you’ve forgotten about?
- Is your key safe (if used) quality and well-mounted?
- Could you improve your setup this week?
The goal isn’t paranoia—it’s practical security. Proper spare key storage gives you emergency access without giving criminals an invitation.