Police found the 25 small safes in a drug dealer's home during a narcotics bust, then summoned Landrum, a locksmith, to open them. As owner of Tustin Lock and Safe, Landrum knows strongboxes. He's a consultant for the Orange Police Department and helps detectives pick locks during raids. But not having one can be costlier. Burglars know our usual hiding places, ransacking sock drawers, trash and diaper pails - even checking the freezer for gems.
Some people are too clever for their own good.
They end up forgetting where they stashed their precious loot, or lose it when a relative unknowingly throws hidden valuables out. Others find wallets or rings missing after a party. Floor safes are better, she said, but must be set in concrete to be both secure and fire-safe. Digital locks are preferable to dial locks, Landrum said. They shut down if a safecracker tries three times to open them with the wrong combination.