Apply discreet storage principles
Concealment reduces the chance a burglar finds valuables in the short time they are inside. It is a layer on top of a good safe, not a replacement.
How
- Keep it private. Only the people who need to know should know the location of the room and any safe.
- Put safes where visitors do not see them. UK police advise avoiding the main bedroom, and the UK Home Office advises firearm cabinets be out of view of visitors.
- Disguise doors and safes with ordinary fittings such as a shelving unit, cupboard or panel that matches the room. Make sure any disguise still lets the door open from inside and does not block a fire exit.
- Do not advertise. Keep packaging from safes and valuables out of sight, and avoid posting photos of the room, safe or valuables online.
- Choose builders and installers you trust, and limit who sees the finished room.
- Concealment must never be used to hide anything from police or authorities who have a lawful right to inspect it, such as licensed firearm storage.
Safety: Never let a disguise or false wall block the inside release or an escape route.
Sources
- Keeping your belongings safe. Avon and Somerset Police (UK), accessed 2026-11
- Firearms Security Handbook 2020 (accessible version). UK Home Office, accessed 2026-11