Surveillance Video Shows Why You Might Want to Hide Your Spare Key Better

The man who robbed an Orange County, Florida, home while its owners were on vacation did not technically break in because he used a key.

It is unclear where these homeowners hid their spare key — perhaps under the mat or in one of those oh-so-secretive plastic rocks with a hidden compartment. Regardless, the key was found and the Orange County Sheriff's Office speculated on its Facebook page that the suspect might have heard where it was hidden from people who knew the victims. As a result the illegal entry into the home earlier this month was not forced.

Surveillance cameras at the family's home caught the suspect casing their home twice while they were out of town. (Image source: Orlando Sentinel)

Image source: Orlando Sentinel

The suspect used it not once but twice within a couple of days and ended up taking $400 in cash from the household, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Watch the newspaper's report on the incident, which includes surveillance footage from the home:

"Please be careful about who knows where your spare key is hidden," the sheriff's office said.

Authorities also reminded people not to post on Facebook or other social media sites when they are going to be out of town.

"Here's some advice if you are going on vacation: Don't advertise it on Facebook, and if you have a spare house key be sure to hide it where only you know where it is," the office said.

Law enforcement posted a $1,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.

(H/T: WKMG-TV)