Up for grabs, £40k-a-year job (criminal past a must!)
Security firm wants reformed burglar to test their alarms
A CRIMINAL record is not usually a welcome sight on a CV for an employer.
But one security firm is actively looking to take on a convicted burglar – to test the effectiveness of its products.
Edinburgh-based Boundary Technologies is looking for ‘someone a bit different’ – with a spent conviction for housebreaking.
For their trouble, a reformed crook will receive a £40,000 pro rata salary for just two days work per month in their role as a ‘product testing consultant’.
The successful candidate will be asked to help make sure the firm’s systems are ‘criminal-proof ’ and to ‘create something positive out of their previous misdeeds’.
The products include smart home alarms with integrated apps and other systems.
Chief executive Robin Knox said: ‘Our system is designed to outsmart a burglar all by itself, so we
‘Looking to get back on their feet’
thought: who better to test the product than a reformed burglar, who has turned their life around and can offer us unmatched advice and expert knowledge when it comes to the tricks and tactics used by criminals when attempting to break in and steal from a property?
‘As well as helping to improve our product, we are also passionate about giving a helping hand for someone looking to get back on their feet, particularly in the current climate, where work is harder to come by.’
The business has teamed up with Unlock, a charity that advocates for people with criminal convictions, to seek applications.
According to the job advert, the ideal candidate will have convictions for domestic housebreaking and possess extensive knowledge of breaking into homes.
The person must also be enthusiastic, hard-working and be available for work at least two days per month.
The ad says: ‘As our unique home security system is designed to outsmart criminals and stop burglars in their tracks, it makes sense for us to collaborate with someone who has the unparalleled experience and understanding of security that we’re looking for.
‘By making a burglary conviction a prerequisite for the job, we can make sure we pick someone with the experience we need and the work ethic to put that to good use.
‘What’s more, we also hope to be able to help our hired reformed offender get back on their feet, find some paid work in the current unstable job market, and generate some experience to add to their CVs for future career opportunities.’
Boundary Technologies has also agreed to make a donation to Unlock as part of the tie-in.
Christopher Stacey, codirector of Unlock, said: ‘People with criminal records are often assumed to be untrustworthy, yet here’s a job where the ability to spot the flaws in a system are essential.
‘Whether it’s advising on burglar alarms or providing customer service, excluding people because of their past convictions means missing out on skilled candidates and we encourage businesses of all shapes and sizes to look beyond someone’s past and look at the potential they can bring to the organisation.’
‘Ability to spot the flaws’