The Victim: Dan Allman
The Crime:
Burglary

Date:
Saturday, April 9

Time:
Between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Location:
2500 block of Grafton

Things seemingly have not been going well for Dan Allman lately. He currently is unemployed and holds out hope that he will find a job soon. The recent death of his wife also has hit him hard.

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To top things off, a burglar recently cut through the locks on his gate and made off with two lawnmowers, some saws and a torch, a total loss of about $1,000. Allman’s roommate, who works on air conditioners, was also victimized, with several specialized tools stolen at a value of $400.

“I only had two locks on the gate, and you can hacksaw through those pretty easy,” he says.

Allman says the only other crimes he has experienced in the area were having his car stolen 25 years ago and some graffiti on his back fence.

“I think part of it is that my wife recently died in December. It’s like the hawks came out,” he says of the burglars.

Allman had been married to his wife for 33 years, and the recent burglary definitely made him feel worse — especially considering his employment and the economic situation.

“I can’t take another hit like this,” he says. “I’m living off my savings.”

Despite his recent circumstances, Allman is focusing on the future and believes things will get better.

“I have faith that there is a God out there, and things will turn around,” he says.

To secure a gate, Dallas Police Commander Vernon Hale of the Southwest Patrol Division recommends a stainless steel disc pad lock with a 3/8-inch hardened steel shackle.

“A thief or burglar would have a difficult time cutting the stainless steel padlock with a bolt cutter,” he says.

He says any lawn equipment left out and not secured, even in a backyard, are easy targets for thieves.

“Lawn equipment should be stored in the owner’s house, or it can be secured with a stainless steel padlock and stainless steel transport chain. The owner can simply tie the lawn equipment to a tree or metal pole,” he says. “Lawn equipment is such a target this time of year and is a high-damage equipment due to hot weather. It is an easy item to sell out in the street.”

$5K

Value of the three air conditioning units stolen from Trinity Floor Company May 4 in the 1900 block of North Beckley

05.07

Date someone stole a $700 pair of red ostrich cowboy boots from Eagle Stone Shoe Repair on West Jefferson

1100

Block of Madison Avenue where a $3,000 car was stolen from A woman’s driveway on May 9