Michael Shayne Durden spent two decades burglarizing homes in Collin and Dallas counties. Now in jail, he shares tips with homeowners to help safeguard their properties.
In an exclusive interview with Allen Police Sgt. Jon Felty and Allen City TV, Durden provides unique insight on the use of dogs, alarms or lights meant to scare away burglars. He also reveals the worst hiding spots for valuables.
“Even in five to seven minutes I don’t have time to case your whole house. I don’t have time to turn your whole house upside down,” says Durden. “There are ways of hiding your jewelry from people.”
To homeowners, Durden advises:
• Register your home alarm with the City of Allen and keep the city registration tag in plain view.
• Keep a light on in an interior room of the home to give the appearance of someone being home, but out of view.
• Keep your blinds and curtains closed when you aren’t home.
• Don’t let mail or newspapers collect in your mailbox or driveway while you are out of town.
• Make an effort to meet your neighbors or consider organizing a Neighborhood Watch group.
• Invest in a wireless alarm that sends a signal even if wires are cut.
• Don’t keep credit cards, account numbers or jewelry in obvious locations. Burglars are typically in the home for only a few minutes and don’t have time to check every drawer, cupboard or storage box.