During a burglary, thieves know exactly where to look first. Certain pieces are systematically targeted, sometimes well before those we think of spontaneously.
Burglaries remain one of the most frequent crimes in France. According to data from the Ministerial Statistical Service for Internal Security (SSMSI), more than 218,000 residential burglaries were recorded in 2024, or nearly 600 per day and approximately one every two and a half minutes. Behind these figures, security forces observe fairly similar behavior among burglars. The bedroom is often the first room searched, as this is where valuable items such as jewelry or cash are usually found. Thieves open dresser drawers, take a look at the bedside table or even under the mattress, a place where many people still hide money. But in many burglaries, the bedroom is not the only room inspected by intruders, who are constantly developing new techniques for breaking into people’s homes.
As they pass, thieves quickly look at the furniture near the entrance or in the hallway, where some leave their keys, papers or wallet. The living room is often targeted for electronic devices and certain storage areas, while the kitchen can also be inspected, particularly drawers or certain cupboards where residents sometimes think they are hiding valuable objects. However, another room in the home, which we don’t necessarily think about, is also one of the places regularly visited during a burglary.
This is the bathroom, a room that is rarely associated with the risk of burglary. This room may not seem very interesting, but it often attracts thieves for a simple reason: it contains lots of small storage spaces. Burglars tend to look in toiletry bags, drawers or the medicine cabinet, where jewelry removed before showering, watches, or even money can be found. Security experts point out that thieves are very familiar with the classic hiding places used in a home, which explains why they quickly check these spaces.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, security specialists recommend avoiding obvious hiding places. Places such as under the mattress, in a jewelry box or in a bedroom drawer are in fact among the first places searched during a burglary. However, many French people continue to store their precious objects there. Experts instead advise favoring more secure solutions, such as a safe sealed in a wall or floor, which remains one of the most effective ways to protect valuable goods. They also recommend anticipating risks by securing accommodation with an alarm system or suitable protective equipment, and keeping evidence (photos, invoices) to facilitate procedures in the event of theft. The objective is simple: to complicate the task of burglars as much as possible and avoid the overly predictable hiding places that they already know by heart.
