Borrow a burglar to keep safe

HOMEOWNERS can borrow a burglar to make their property thief-proof.

Reformed raiders will test clients’ current locks and highlight where criminals might break in.

Buyers of a security system from Edinburgh firm Boundary can apply for the visiting service.

Chief executive, Robin Knox said: “Most of us don’t have the mindset of a burglar and therefore wouldn’t spot half of the places.”

Ex-cons will be paid £40,000 pro-rata for two or three days.An advert says the firm wants a “unique candidate ... will have previously been convicted of a domestic burglary”.

The firm said the work would help ex-burglars get back on their feet.

It is working with Unlock, a charity for people with criminal records. Christopher Stacey, its co-director, said: “Excluding people because of their past convictions means missing out on skilled candidates.”