Having a spare set of keys is an excellent way to make sure you never find yourself locked out of your home or car. Even with a spare set, you can still sometimes find yourself locked out. In any case, you’ll need a professional locksmith at Jim’s Bike & Key Shop in Columbia, MO. They offer lockout service, lock installation, key cutting, and other services. After they’ve changed your locks and keys, make sure you put the spare set in a safer spot.

3 Less Obvious Places to Hide Your Spare Keys

1. At Your Neighbor’s House

If you and your neighbor are on friendly terms, you should consider hiding your spare keys somewhere outside of their house. Even if someone finds the spare set, they’ll assume they go to your neighbor’s house. When they realize they don’t work, they’ll give up and leave.

2. In or Near the Dog House

Any locksmith can tell you that burglars don’t want to mess with a dog. If you have one—especially if it’s a larger breed—try hiding your spare keys inside or under the dog house. It’s a less obvious spot than anywhere near your front door, and it’s highly unlikely for anyone to risk inspecting the dog house too closely if there’s a loud, barking dog around.

3. Inside a Hitch Lockbox

A hitch lockbox fits securely into the hitch receiver on the back of your car. Then it locks into place, so you don’t have to worry about it falling off, which is a risk with magnetic lockboxes. The lockbox is similar to a mini-vault opened with a four-digit combination. So if you have a hitch receiver on your car, a locksmith would probably rank this one as the smartest option for you.

If you don’t have a spare set of keys yet, or if you’re worried that the ones you have were found, contact Jim’s Bike & Key Shop. To speak with someone directly, call (573) 442-7011, or visit the website for more information. A locksmith can come out and change your locks, make new keys for you, or even help you get back inside of your car or home.