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Former Burglar Reveals Best and Worst Places to Hide Money at Home
Insider tips on outsmarting burglars and protecting your valuables
Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:22am
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In a candid interview, a former burglar shares his expertise on the most effective and ineffective methods for hiding money and valuables in the home. From leaving decoy cash to utilizing unexpected hiding spots, the burglar provides a unique perspective on home security and crime prevention.
Why it matters
As property crime remains a persistent issue, this firsthand account from a reformed criminal offers valuable insights that can help homeowners better protect their assets and deter potential burglars. The story highlights the importance of understanding a burglar's motivations and tactics in order to develop smarter home security strategies.
The details
The former burglar explains that no matter how clever the hiding spot, if a thief has enough time, they will eventually find stashed cash and valuables. However, he suggests leaving a small amount of 'decoy' money in obvious places to satisfy the burglar's primary goals of quickly stealing valuables and escaping. The best hiding spots, he says, are in a child's room among toys, inside household items like electronics, and in a bolted-down safe. He cautions against hiding money in predictable locations like dresser drawers or safes that can be easily removed.
- The interview took place several years ago.
The players
Michael Shayne Durden
A 20-year career burglar who operated in the Collin and Dallas counties of Texas.
What they’re saying
“If I can't find money and valuables in the normal places I usually find them, I would continue to tear the house apart until I found something. Remember, the first rule is to to steal money and valuables. We'll keep looking until we find something.”
— Michael Shayne Durden, Former Burglar
“Your best strategy, then, is to actually leave some money in obvious places for the burglar to quickly find (the same applies if you keep all your money in the bank). This can not only save your other stash of money, but may actually keep the burglar from destroying your place as he looks for where you have hidden your money.”
— Michael Shayne Durden, Former Burglar
What’s next
Homeowners should review their current home security measures and consider implementing some of the burglar's recommended tactics, such as using a bolted-down safe and hiding valuables in unexpected locations like a child's room. It's also important to ensure that trusted loved ones know the location of any hidden stashes in case of emergency.
The takeaway
This firsthand account from a former criminal provides a unique perspective on effective home security strategies. By understanding a burglar's motivations and tactics, homeowners can make more informed decisions about protecting their valuables and deterring potential break-ins.
