Take hiding a spare key at your residence, for example. 

Many people hide a spare key under a mat or in a fake rock at their homes. But is this a good idea in today’s technology-enriched world? Was it ever a good idea? As a professional locksmith company, we have our opinion on the matter.

A Tradition of Convenience

First, let’s briefly discuss why someone would hide a spare key at their residence. Homeowners have been doing this for years, hiding them under doormats, inside fake rocks and even beneath flower pots. This was a convenient practice in the event of getting locked out of the house, as an extra key was always close by. But this comes with risks as well. 

The Security Risks

While many people have hidden a spare key without any consequences, there are more than a couple of problems here when it comes to your home’s security:

• Predictability: Burglars these days are well aware of the classic hiding spots. In fact, one of the first places they’ll check is under the doormat or in any obviously fake decor. 
• Lack of innovation: There are more advanced solutions to the spare key, so not using today’s technology keeps your security in the past. This makes it easier for intruders to gain access to your home.
• Increased vulnerability: When you have a spare key close to an entry point, it makes your home a target. It’s difficult to have peace of mind when you know that unrestricted access to your home is just a found key away. This is even worse if you don’t have an alarm system.

Better Options

There are a few modern alternatives to the hidden spare key these days. Whether it’s a small or big change, however, upgrading the security of your home is always a wise strategy if you can budget for it. Here are some modern solutions to consider:

• Smart locks: These let you enter your home with a code, fingerprint or smartphone app instead of a physical key.
• Key safes: These are secure, combination-locked boxes that can be mounted outside your home, offering similar benefits as spare keys but without the risks.
• Home security systems: Modern systems include features like remote access, meaning you can unlock your doors using a smartphone app, even when you’re not home.

If you have any other questions about home security, don’t hesitate to call A-1 Locksmith or visit one of our Dallas-Fort Worth-area locations today.

While fake rocks were once a foolproof way to trick burglars and hide spare keys around your residence, criminals are getting smarter these days. Your home security strategy should be revisited to see if it’s up to 2021 standards. Here are some smarter ways to keep that spare key accessible, yet out of sight.

1. Disguised Key Holder

The problem with fake rocks is that criminals know to look for them and will keep an eye out for any stone that seems unnatural. Some have better designs than others, but you might want to consider an innovative or non-traditional disguised key holder instead. Examples include drain caps, fake electrical outlets, pots with hidden compartments, lockboxes and more. There are more options available today than you might think.

2. With a Friend, Family Member or Neighbor

If you don’t trust these key holders (or you have particularly clever thieves in your area), a friend, family member or neighbor might be a better option for your spare key. As long as you trust the individual (and that they’ll store it properly), you can have peace of mind knowing someone close by has access to your home should you or your family ever need it.

3. In An Unexpected Location

If you don’t have anyone you trust and don’t want to spend money on a disguised key holder, finding a strategic on-property hiding spot is another option. There are lots of nooks, crannies and little-known hiding places if you look hard enough. Examples include the backyard tree, a flower garden, buried in a bottle and in your car’s license plate. As long as you’re the only one who knows where it is, no one else will find it easily.

4. Don’t Use One!

Finally, you may want to consider keyless entry to your home. With this option, you don’t even have to have a spare key if you don’t want to (though key overrides are available). Additional features of keyless locks include smartphone/bluetooth compatibility, the ability to lock or unlock remotely and the option to give temporary access to someone and change your codes. 

If you’re interested in more home security-related advice, give us a call today or stop by any of our area A-1 Locksmith Security and Safes locations.