Leaving this in your glovebox could get your home robbed, Spanish authorities warn - CSN News

Spanish authorities warn against leaving this item in your glovebox.

David Sackler April 19, 2025 Motoring Leave a comment

What you can do to protect your castle by hiding it in your car.

Authorities are warning drivers to beware of a simple behavior that could have grave consequences.

Spain’s Guardia Civil has sounded the alarm over a seemingly harmless habit that could leave your home wide open to burglars – quite literally.

The Guardia Civil issued a warning to motorists in a video posted on their TikTok official channel It is not clear how to get there. Many people stash spare house keys inside their glove box. You might think that the glove box is a good place to hide your spare house keys while going for a walk, or to the beach. Takeaway On holiday, it could be a golden ticket for a burglar.

The officer who featured in the clip explained:

‘Some drivers leave house keys inside their parked vehicle for several days when they go on holiday.’

For would-be thieves, it’s a double blow. Alongside those keys, drivers often keep insurance documents, receipts, or other paperwork that lists their home address – the perfect pairing for a clean, quiet break-in.

The officer went on:

‘There have been several cases where thieves got inside a vehicle and, through documents like insurance papers or repair invoices, found You can find out more about it here. Use the keys and address to enter the home.

No noise from break-ins. No noisy break-ins. Just a thief walking through your front door – with your You can also read about the other ways to get in touch with us. keys.

The worst part is? ‘When you return from holiday, you may find you’ve been burgled – and no one, not even the neighbours, noticed anything because the criminals entered silently with your The following are some examples of how to use keys.’ It’s a frightening thought, but it’s also all too true.

What should you be doing? Guardia Civil is simple:

Don’t leave valuables inside the car. If you must, do not leave them out in the open.

The video has racked up thousands of views, prompting debate among drivers who admitted to leaving spare keys in glove compartments ‘just in case.’

What is the bottom line?

Your glovebox is not a vault. It is dangerous to leave your keys in the car’s glovebox. If you’re unsure, ask your friend. If you are only going to the beach for a few minutes, it’s best not to leave your vehicle in a remote location where thieves could easily sneak in. In the wrong hands, you could lose your entire car. You can also find out more about car rentals. Could be the beginning of a much bigger haul.

Safety tips for the summer:

Never leave house keys in your car – especially if documents inside show your address.
Do not store valuables in your glove box.
Keep essential documents at home – or securely locked away.
Tell a neighbor you trust that you’re leaving.
You can make your house look more lived-in by using timers.