Upon checking into a hotel one of our first thoughts may be about putting valuables into the hotel safe. And while many hotels offer this service as a secure way to store our most important items, the humble safe does have its limitations.

According to a YouTube video created by Lock Picking Lawyer, there is a way thieves can open these safes without even knowing the pin code. 

After entering the incorrect pin code in the video on purpose, the Lock Picking Lawyer then enters 999999, and the safe door miraculously opens.

Read more: The one security measure you need when checking into a hotel

“What this hotel did not do was reset the administrator password that comes from the factory,” Lock Picking Lawyer says in the video.

The manufacturers of the safe input an overriding passcode that hotel staff can then use if a guest forgets what their pin code is.

The problem with this, though, is that many hotel proprietors fail to create a new overriding pin code, rather leaving the default settings.

Read more: The common hotel item that could make you sick

While 999999 is the default pin code in the video, it could also be 111111, 1111, 9999, 00000 or 0000, depending on the safe.

This might come as quite a shock, especially if you’re a regular user of these in-room safes. Luckily there are ways to keep your valuables secure while staying at a hotel, and here are just a few.

How to keep your valuables safe in your hotel:

• Enter the above default pin codes first to make sure they don’t work
• Use a pin code that is difficult to remember, not just your birth date, as there will likely be record of this information on file at your hotel
• Use your own suitcase to store any valuables, making sure you have a padlock to close it with
• Be discreet with any items you are bringing into a hotel. Don’t be flashy with electronics or jewellery while checking in or making your way into your room
• Be wary of anyone you invite into your room. Making friends with new people while travelling is great, but it’s a different thing entirely when you invite them back to your room. Be sure of the person before inviting them in

Do you have any other tips for keeping your valuables safe in a hotel room? Let us know in the comments section below.