Hidden in plain sight: Thieves reveal where they look first

(WWBT) - The On Your Side Investigators asked 100 convicted burglars in Virginia where they look first after breaking into a home.

The overwhelming majority said they checked drawers and closets in search of cash, jewelry and guns. NBC12 set out to find better hiding spaces to keep your valuables safe.

"I don't have much, but what I do have I would like to keep it," said Eulah Owens.

It took only seconds for Owens to discover her safe haven had been broken into.

"I just ran out of my house, because I didn't know if someone was inside my house or not."

Household items, like her 46-inch flat screen TV, were gone - along with her sense of security.

"To find out someone has been into your house, it's very scary," said Owens.

While police look for the culprits, Owens is looking for ways to keep her belongings safe.

You may not be able to hide large electronics, like a TV or a computer system, but there are household gadgets you can install that can help your valuables go unnoticed to a burglar moving through your home.

In less than ten minutes, you can turn any portion of your wall into a cleverly placed cubby hole. On the outside, you are looking at what appears to be an air vent, but on the inside, an ingenious place to store your passport, jewelry, or cash.

The Wall Safe from Professional Grade Products can be ordered online for $89. It's just one of several items we found that can be used to conceal your family treasures. This particular air vent is great for items you don't need to get to in a hurry...because it takes a couple of minutes to take out the screws.

"The Pillow Safe" sells online for $23.99. It is fluffy, light, and equipped with a built-in leather pouch sewn on the inside. It has enough room for small electronics, like a tablet or laptop.

When it comes to your jewelry, a jewelry box can be a burglar magnet. The "US Patrol hanging closet safe" is more discrete. It goes on a hanger and can conceal rings, earrings, or valuable watches inside of your closet. This closet safe costs $11.

If you want a more functional safe, try the "Stalwart Wall Clock Hidden Safe." It looks like a clock, but it hides your items. For $12, and the amount of effort it takes to hang a clock, you can create a new hiding place for your things.

The "HOME Steel Dictionary Book Diversion Safe" can hide your items anywhere in the house. It's equipped with a lock and key and costs $15.99.

These are items Owens is now considering after the recent break-in left her shaken, but didn't steal her hopeful attitude.

"I still have the peace of God."

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