Leaving keys under the door mat ups your chance of being burgled

One in 14 homes has been burgled as a result of leaving a spare key outside a property – so don't make the same mistake

(Image credit: Getty)

Ever hidden the front-door key under a plant pot 'just in case'? If the answer is yes, you are one of many Britons who have made an invitation to burglars. According to a new survey by Hillarys, two-thirds of Brits leave a 'back-up key' in various locations outside their property. 

Why? Almost half of us (47 per cent) are apparently afraid of one day forgetting our keys and being locked out, while nearly a quarter (21 per cent) leave a key out for friends and family. And where do we hide the keys? In all the obvious  places, as it turns out – under doormats and plant pots, and behind garden ornaments and bins.

 It really is no surprise that burglars take advantage of these predictable hiding places: one in fourteen of those who leave their keys out admit to having been burgled, although, oddly, only 27 per cent then stop leaving them out.  

Our advice? If you have to leave a spare key out, think of a less obvious place than the doormat/plant pot, and always make sure to look around when retrieving your spare key, in case an opportunistic burglar is lying in wait.

Tara Hall, spokesperson for www.Hillarys.co.uk says, 'It makes sense to have spare keys to hand for those moments when you forget your key or lock yourself out, but it’s surprising how many people leave these spares in places that are easily accessible to anyone passing by. Hopefully these results might make people reconsider, and perhaps leave a key with a neighbour or family member instead.'

Anna is a professional writer with many years of experience. She has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. She covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design. 

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