by Press Association

An overwhelming majority of Brits have a fail-safe; a secret hiding spot for valuables chosen to be kept at home. Due to fears of burglary we’ve resorted to getting a bit creative, seeking out covert and often odd, nooks and crannies around the house to conceal our assets.

However, new research from UIA Mutual Insurance has found that a fifth (21%) of Brits fail to be original, and will hide valuables in their underwear drawer, now a more popular option than a traditional safe (19%).

This is more prevalent with women – whom a quarter (25%) are guilty compared to just 15% of men. Meanwhile, others do get innovative – hiding items behind photo frames (6%), in a hollowed-out book (3%) or even in a bag of flour (2%).

And what are these items’? Whilst a third (34%) of Brits may not hide any of their valuables, over a third (35%) will hide their passports, 30% hide their birth certificate, and a quarter (26%) hide cash.

But what about those that don’t necessarily have a high monetary value – but just should never, ever see the light of day? Embarrassing teenage ramblings recorded in diaries are kept, and hidden by 4% of those who responded – a practice more common than hiding art (3%).

The research also found an interesting difference in attitudes across the ages, with just a half (50%) of those aged over 55+ claiming they hide items in the home, whilst four fifths (79%) of 16 to 24 year-olds do.