How to Keep Your Gold and Silver Safe at Home: Expert Tips from a Security Consultant

We teamed up with Chris Goddard, a former London Metropolitan detective turned private security consultant. Let’s get into the detailed tips and information Chris shared on how to keep your precious metals safe at home. Whether you store gold and silver in your residence or business, these expert insights will help you safeguard your assets.

Chris Goddard’s Background

Before transitioning to private consulting, Chris had an illustrious career as a detective. One of his most significant roles was serving for five years on the Flying Squad—an elite unit specializing in armed robberies and commercial theft. His experience spans both post-incident investigations and covert surveillance, providing valuable insights into criminal behavior from planning to conviction.

Understanding Criminal Motives

When criminals choose a target for burglary, they seek vulnerabilities. Let’s explore some key considerations:

1. Ad Hoc vs. Targeted Approach

• Some criminals act impulsively, looking for any opportunity to exploit. Others take a more professional approach, meticulously assessing routines and vulnerabilities.
• Imagine this scenario: You’re a burglar eyeing a potential target. What weaknesses can you exploit? Perhaps a communal door with a faulty lock or a latch left open—small oversights that criminals notice.

2. Observing Procedures

• Chris’s experience with armored car robberies highlights criminals’ behavior. They scout locations, observing security procedures.
• Apply this to your home: Are there patterns criminals could exploit? Maybe you consistently leave a window open or follow a predictable routine.

3. Routine Assessment

• Some criminals study their victims’ routines. They might observe when you leave for work or return home.
• Consider varying your schedule or using timers for lights and electronics to create the illusion of activity.

How To Strengthen Your Home Security

Let’s focus on practical steps to enhance your home security:

1. Social Media Awareness

• Evaluate your social media presence. Do you inadvertently reveal information about your wealth or travel plans? Be cautious about sharing details that could attract unwanted attention.

2. Boundary Considerations

• Examine your property’s boundaries. Is there adequate screening? Consider hedges, walls, or fences to obstruct views from the street.
• Trim hedges regularly to prevent hiding spots for potential intruders.

3. Front Door Security

• Invest in quality locks and doors. A sturdy door can withstand significant force, deterring burglars.
• Reinforce the door frame and install deadbolt locks for added protection.

4. Interior Vulnerabilities

• Once inside, burglars seek quick rewards. Secure valuables like safes, jewelry, and cash.
• Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight. Be mindful of open doors, pockets, and easily accessible areas.

How to Secure Your Home: Beyond Obvious Hiding Spots

When it comes to safeguarding our homes, we often focus on the obvious places: bedroom safes, bathroom cabinets, and open display areas. But what if we could outsmart potential intruders by thinking beyond the predictable?

1. Layers of Concealment

Once an intruder gains entry, they’ll be looking for quick wins. Are you inadvertently giving them the opportunity for a “supermarket sweep”? Consider adding layers of concealment. Think beyond the obvious spots—what about less accessible areas or unconventional hiding places? For instance, Christmas decorations or movable objects can serve as effective decoys.

2. The Insider Advantage

Sometimes, intruders have insider information. Perhaps someone tipped them off about valuables in your home. In such cases, they might take their time, knowing you won’t return soon. Be cautious about loose lips—innocent conversations can inadvertently reveal too much.

3. The Tupperware Box Incident

I once dealt with a group of robbers who specialized in shop heists. They planned meticulously, even removing money from the counter area and concealing it in Tupperware boxes. While not an obvious choice, it worked for them—until an innocent conversation exposed their secret. They targeted a particular shop, armed with handguns, and bypassed the obvious hiding spots. Their haste led to an unexpected twist: they grabbed the wrong Tupperware box, leaving the cash behind.

4. Decoy Strategy

Could decoys enhance your home security? Absolutely! Consider investing in items that appear valuable but aren’t. Think IKEA or Walmart finds that mimic luxury. Place them strategically, not as obvious decoys, but enough to give intruders a sense of accomplishment. It’s like leading them to the finish line, only to reveal it’s a decoy.

5. The Security System Sticker

Finally, let’s talk about those security system stickers. Yes, they’re visible deterrents, but they can also signal that you’re an easy target. Consider a more discreet approach. Invest in a robust security system but keep the details low-key. Let the system do its job without broadcasting it to the world.

Remember, securing your home involves creativity, layers, and a touch of misdirection. By thinking beyond the obvious, you can stay one step ahead of potential intruders.

Home Security: Balancing Pros and Cons

Home security is a topic that often sparks debate. Some argue that prominently displaying your security system provides criminals with valuable information about its vulnerabilities. On the other hand, having a visible security system acts as a deterrent. So, what’s the right approach?

The Pros of a Visible Security Systems:

1. Deterrence: When potential intruders see security cameras, alarms, or signs indicating a monitored system, they may think twice before attempting a break-in. It sends a clear message: “This property is protected.”

2. Active Engagement: By showcasing your security measures, you demonstrate that you actively care about safeguarding your home. It’s a proactive stance that can discourage opportunistic criminals.

3. Response Assurance: Monitored systems provide an added layer of security. Knowing that an alarm won’t just blare into the street but trigger a response increases the effectiveness of your security setup.

The Cons of Visible Security Systems:

1. Information Leakage: Critics argue that revealing your security features gives criminals insights into potential vulnerabilities. They might exploit this knowledge to bypass or disable the system.

2. Psychological Impact: Some burglars are deterred by visible security, while others may see it as a challenge. Understanding criminal psychology is essential. Opportunistic thieves who haven’t done their homework may be put off, but determined ones might not be.

Thinking Outside the Box:

Apart from traditional security systems, consider unconventional deterrents. For instance:

1. Barking Dogs: A mid to large dog, even if it’s just a noisy little fellow, can be effective. The constant barking signals trouble and may prompt intruders to rethink their plans.

2. Creative Hiding Places: Move beyond the obvious spots like under the mattress. Explore imaginative options. Concealing valuables inside the freezer (within Tupperware, of course) adds layers of secrecy.

3. Home Safes: While safes are an X-mark-the-spot for burglars, a securely bolted floor safe is a game-changer. Size matters—go big. Seek professional advice and choose a highly rated safe.

Choosing the Right Safe for Your Home Security

When it comes to safeguarding your valuables, a sturdy, well-secured safe is essential. But not just any safe will do. Let’s delve into the key considerations for selecting the perfect safe for your needs.

1. Size and Security:

• Imagine a robust, floor-bolted safe—the kind that can’t be easily carried off by intruders. Size matters here; go big to accommodate all your valuables.
• Ensure the safe is fireproof and rated for security. Seek professional advice and shop around to find the best fit.

2. Lock It Up:

• A safe is like the ultimate cupboard, but it’s not straightforward. Always lock it—don’t leave it open absentmindedly.
• Remember, a door is only as good as its lock. Make sure yours is secure.

3. Location Matters:

• If you’re placing the safe on the ground floor near the front door, be cautious. Some burglars have been known to drag safes out.
• Consider the basement or second floor—eliminating one more possibility for determined thieves.

4. Worst-Case Scenario: Confrontation:

• Imagine waking up to noises downstairs—a burglar in your home. It’s rare but terrifying.
• First, call emergency services (911 in the US, 999 in the UK). Your safety and your family’s safety are paramount.

5. Compliance and Survival:

• If confronted, comply. Their determination and adrenaline are high; don’t risk it.
• Your heart races too but focus on survival. Get them out quickly—your life is worth more than any possession.

Remember, in this worst-case scenario, safety comes first. Criminals seek rewards and thrive on opportunity. By understanding their methods and addressing vulnerabilities, you can better protect your gold, silver, and other valuables. The ultimate goal is to make your home less appealing to criminals. Whether it’s a barking dog, a hidden stash, or a robust safe, layering your defenses is key. Stay creative, stay secure, stay vigilant and consider professional security measures if needed.