Always carry a spare key — but never leave one lying around where the wrong person could find it. Most people want to keep an extra nearby so that they don’t have to call the local locksmith in the event of a lockout. However, avoid hiding it in common places to ensure unauthorized people don’t gain access to your property.

Why You Shouldn’t Hide Keys Under Doormats

The doormat is the traditional spot where people hide spare keys. It’s become such a frequent choice that nearly everyone thinks of it. This is true even for the people who are trying to gain access to your home or business without your permission. The same goes for large stones, potted plants, and porch furniture. A determined burglar will overturn everything in sight if it means finding a way in.

What Makes Above the Door Frame a Bad Spot

If you aren’t hiding a spare key below the door, why not above? Not only is the top of the door frame a popular spot — and thus easy for burglars to find — but it’s also vulnerable to the elements. Strong winds, heavy rains, or even a bird landing atop the frame could cause the key to tumble away and end up in the wrong hands. It may seem tempting, but don’t place the key there. You’re better off risking getting locked out and calling a locksmith. Installing a wall-mounted lock box with a personal code would be a more secure option.

How Putting a Spare in Your Wallet Could Backfire

Many people feel that the safest place to keep a spare key is in their back pocket or purse. However, it’s easy to lose your wallet. If you do, the spare is lost; not only that, but the person who finds it will likely have your ID and be able to trace it back to your home. This could lead to a burglary, so you’ll have to pay for lock rekeying or replacement from a locksmith first.

When you’re locked out, or if you need rekeying or lock replacement, choose Columbia Lock and Safe in Columbia, MO. This team of expert locksmiths has been helping residential and commercial clients for over two decades. Explore their services online, or give them a call at (573) 443-5397.