Since you can’t guarantee an intruder won’t get into your home, it’s important to think strategically about hiding valuable items inside. Indoors, your best defense is a good offense: make the burglar’s job as difficult as possible.

THE WORST PLACES TO HIDE VALUABLES

1. Jewelry boxes. If you use a traditional jewelry box, hide it. Consider storing jewels in less obvious containers (see below).

2. Dresser tops and accessible drawers. Don’t keep cash or jewelry on dressers, in sock or underwear drawers, or in any drawer that’s in easy reach and can be rummaged through quickly.

3. Under the mattress or beside the bed. Many burglars look in these places first, especially when they’re checking for weapons.

THE BEST PLACES TO HIDE VALUABLES

1. Your closet may be a good spot to tuck your jewelry box.

2. A sewing kit or tackle box can harbor cash or items of jewelry without offering temptation to a burglar.

3. Clever decoys are among the best places to hide and disguise your valuables. False wall outlets don’t provide electricity, but they do provide a good hiding place (you can plug cords into these or put furniture in front to make them more realistic and less obvious). Fake food or cleaning product cans and hollow books are also widely available.

4. The bathroom is bypassed by most burglars, unless they’re looking for prescription drugs. Avoid the medicine cabinet, but stash items in other bathroom cupboards, especially among cleaning supplies.

5. Kitchens offer hiding places where burglars may not look. Consider wrapping jewelry or cash in foil and storing it in the freezer.

6. Basements are good places for valuables because burglars don’t want to take the time and trouble required to rummage through them.

Many cities have stores known as “Cop Shops” which sell burglar-foiling devices. Call your local police department for information on your nearest store.