Are Your Keys Really Safe? 7 Homeowner-Approved Key Safes

You and I both know the spare-key dilemma. Under the mat is asking for trouble, but locking a key outside feels risky too. So the question hits hard: are key safes safe—or are we giving burglars a shortcut?

They can be safe. They can also be the weakest link if you buy a flimsy box, mount it in plain sight, or share the code too widely. The difference isn’t the idea; it’s the decisions you make around it.

Most advice stops at “buy a sturdy model and hide it.” That’s not enough. The rating of the safe, how and where it’s installed, how you manage the code, and what your insurance says—all of that decides whether you’re protected or exposed.

If you rely on carers, cleaners, or short-lets, a secure key safe can be a lifeline. But if it’s bolted to soft mortar or visible from the street, you’ve just created a high-value target.

In this guide, I’ll cut the noise into seven clear, practical steps—what to buy, where to place it, how to manage access, and what to tell your insurer—so you keep convenience without giving up security.

Before we dive in, tell me this: where will your key safe live—home, rental, or a parent’s place—and what’s your biggest worry about it?

Are Key Safes Actually Safe?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: some are safe, many aren’t. A budget lockbox with flimsy dials is nowhere near the same as a police-approved, LPS 1175-certified safe that’s been tested against drills, prying, and brute force.

Think of it like this:

• Basic models – light, cheap, and usually the first thing a burglar will target.
• Accredited models – heavy, tested under schemes like Secured by Design, and built to resist real attacks.

The gap is huge, and if you don’t know which one you’ve got, you’re taking a gamble.

Placement makes a big difference too. Even the strongest safe becomes a weak spot if it’s bolted into soft mortar or fixed in plain view. Burglars notice these details. In Romsey, for example, police reported cases where thieves literally ripped key safes off the wall, used the keys, and emptied homes of valuables, cars, even clothing—something highlighted by Homebuilding & Renovating.

So, are key safes safe? They can be—but only if you:

• Choose a rated, accredited model.
• Mount it into solid brick or concrete.
• Place it discreetly, but within casual sight of neighbours.
• Rotate the code like you would a password.

Anything less, and you’re not buying security—you’re buying a false sense of it.

7 Essential Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

When it comes to key safes, the difference between a smart decision and a security risk is in the details. Here are seven steps I recommend—practical, tested, and easy enough to act on today.

1. Choose a High-Security, Accredited Model

Don’t cut corners here. Look for safes that carry LPS 1175 certification or are marked Secured by Design. These are tested against drills, prying, and forced entry—cheap models rarely survive that.

2. Install Discreetly, but Where Tampering Is Visible

The sweet spot is a location that isn’t obvious to passersby but can still be casually seen by you or a neighbour. Hidden doesn’t mean isolated—you want a thief to feel watched.

3. Mount to Solid Brick or Concrete

Skip plasterboard or weak mortar. A determined burglar can pull out screws in seconds if the base isn’t strong. Always follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions exactly.

4. Regularly Change the Code—and Limit Who Knows It

Treat your key safe like a password. Rotate the digits often, and don’t share them with anyone you don’t completely trust. Once a code spreads, your control is gone.

5. Understand Your Insurance Policy

Here’s the part most people miss: if your insurer doesn’t know you’re using a safe, or it’s not an approved model, a burglary claim could be rejected. Always disclose it and check the small print. If you’re wondering how else you can make your home more secure while keeping insurance costs down, check out our guide on 5 simple DIY security upgrades to lower your home insurance premium.

6. Monitor for Signs of Tampering

Look for scratches, paint transfer, or if the box seems loose. These are often early warnings that someone has tried their luck. Catching it early means you can act before real damage is done.

7. Weigh Alternatives and Backups

A key safe isn’t your only option. Depending on your needs, biometric locks, smart locks, or even leaving a spare with a trusted neighbour might work better. Think about what balances convenience and safety in your situation.

Real-World Warnings & User Perspectives

It’s one thing to read general advice about key safes, but the real test comes from what’s happening on the ground—and what professionals say behind the scenes.

From Romsey Police Appeal

Police in Romsey, Hampshire, issued a warning after a spate of burglaries where criminals specifically removed key safes from walls, accessed the keys, and stole cars, clothing, and valuables. The incidents were so frequent that officers released crime-prevention advice urging homeowners to rethink placement and model choice. You can see the official statement from Hampshire Constabulary.

Reddit Insight from Locksmith Community

Even seasoned locksmiths are blunt about the risks. On one thread, a professional put it plainly:

“The best place to have a spare key is with a trusted neighbour. Most keysafes are awful.”

That perspective, pulled from a discussion on Reddit’s locksmith community, underlines the point: if experts don’t trust most models, you and I need to be very selective about the ones we use.

Data That Underscores Home Security Importance

Warnings and opinions matter, but hard numbers make the risk impossible to ignore. Let’s look at what the data says.

Home Burglary Frequency

According to FBI-supported research, a home break-in happens every 26 seconds in the United States. That adds up to more than two million burglaries a year. Even more striking, homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be targeted. These numbers, highlighted by The Zebra, show why leaving spare keys in weak or visible places is such a gamble.

For practical ways to protect yourself without overspending, we’ve rounded up 10 easy ways to secure your home without breaking the bank.

Home Security Industry Growth

It’s no surprise then that the global home security market is booming. Smart locks, alarms, cameras, and monitoring services are expanding at record pace, reflecting how strongly homeowners feel the need to protect themselves. That growth isn’t just about tech hype—it’s a reaction to rising burglary risk and the peace of mind people are willing to invest in.

Key Safe vs Alternatives: How They Compare

Not every option suits every home. Here’s a quick side-by-side view of common ways people manage spare keys, so you can weigh the trade-offs.

Looking at this table, which option feels most realistic for your own home—convenience at the door, or total peace of mind with no spare at all?

What Most Writers Skip—but You Should Know

Most guides make key safes sound like a simple buy-and-fit job, but there are deeper issues that can cost you far more than the safe itself.

Insurance Complications

Here’s the catch: some insurance policies quietly state that if thieves get in using keys from a safe, claims may be denied. Unless your model is accredited and disclosed, you might find yourself paying out of pocket. It’s not the kind of detail you want to discover after a break-in.

Visibility Signaling Occupancy or Vacancy

Burglars are observant. A visible key safe can send signals you don’t want—like when a house is vacant, or which homes rely on external access. In the wrong place, the box itself becomes a flag for opportunists.

Misplaced Faith

Buying and bolting a key safe doesn’t automatically equal security. If you treat it as a magic shield, you risk overlooking code management, placement, and regular checks. A poorly managed key safe can be worse than no safe at all.

Quick Checklist Before Installing a Key Safe

Before you put one up, run through this list:

• Security rating verified (LPS 1175 or equivalent)
• Balance between concealment and visibility
• Proper mounting into brick or concrete
• Code rotation schedule in place
• Insurance provider notified
• Backup access option arranged (smart lock, neighbour, or spare plan)

And if you want to go beyond key safes, here are 18 proven ways to theft-proof your home that cover everything from locks to lighting.

This simple checklist keeps you from making the mistakes that most people only realise when it’s too late.

Out of these checklist items, which one do you think most homeowners tend to overlook?

Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

A well-chosen, properly installed key safe can give you real peace of mind. It makes life easier for family, carers, or guests without leaving you worrying about a spare key under the doormat. But the difference between peace of mind and unnecessary risk comes down to the details—choosing an accredited model, mounting it securely, rotating the code, and making sure your insurance provider is on board.

If you take the time to apply the seven tips we’ve covered, a key safe can be a genuine convenience without weakening your home’s defences.

Now I’d love to hear from you: do you currently use a key safe, or are you still weighing up the risks? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For more smart, practical home improvement and security advice, visit Build Like New—your go-to guide for safer, better living.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be taken as legal, insurance, or professional security advice. Always check your own insurance policy and consult a qualified locksmith or security expert before making decisions about installing or using a key safe.