Spare Key Storage: Safe Places, Not Under the Doormat

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

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

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

Managing key control becomes critical over time.

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

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

Take Action

Review your current spare key situation:

1. Where are your spare keys now?
2. Would a burglar find them within minutes?
3. Who has copies you’ve forgotten about?
4. Is your key safe (if used) quality and well-mounted?
5. 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.