It Takes a Thief (2005 TV series)

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For other uses, see It Takes a Thief.

It Takes a Thief is a reality television series currently airing on the Discovery Channel. Jon Douglas Rainey and Matt Johnston—real ex-burglars—are the show's hosts. With permission from their intended "victims," they utilize their skills to stage a full-fledged burglary, after which the security-challenged homeowners watch how it happened on closed-circuit television. The thefts usually occur in suburban homes, although businesses, a college fraternity, and even a police station have been burglarized.

The second season premiered on the Discovery Channel in October, 2006.

1 Episode synopsis
2 Season Two
3 About the hosts
4 External links

[edit] Episode synopsis

The basic premise (Season One):

Matt Johnston and Jon Rainey case a neighborhood for a suitable house to burglarize. Homes with security weaknesses or that likely have security-lax owners are targeted. Rainey, who does the actual break-ins, looks for unlocked doors and windows, alarm systems (or lack thereof), and any tools or ladders left outside that can be used to gain entry. He also determines how visible the house is from the street or to the neighbors.

After selecting a house, Rainey leaves to plan the break-in while Johnston meets with the owners to obtain their permission, offering a free security renovation in exchange. Johnston tours the home to identify unsecured entry points, inventory valuables, and determine what (if any) security measures the homeowners use. None of this information is relayed to Rainey, however, and Johnston is unaware just how the actual break-in will be executed.

Cameras are installed throughout the house to record the action. Once everything is ready, the family secures and leaves the home as they normally would and then watch the break-in with Johnston on TV monitors in a nearby van. Rainey treats each break-in as a real heist, ransacking rooms while identifying the most valuable items as quickly as possible, and searching in what many consider secure hiding places. If the keys to a homeowner's car is found, that will likely be taken as well. Occasionally, Rainey uses accomplices, and nearly every break-in employs a different strategy. The entire burglary usually take less than 15 minutes, resulting in property loss that can run into thousands of dollars. Not all break-ins are successful, however, police have "apprehended" Rainey on at least two occasions, although he was immediately released.

Once the burglary is over, Johnston takes the owners back into the house to survey the aftermath firsthand. Then they meet Rainey—an often emotional encounter. Some become so upset they want to physically hurt him, and one man actually punched Rainey in the chest! But all is forgiven when their stolen possessions are returned. Rainey explains why he chose the items and gives an estimated resale value. Many are stolen because they can quickly be fenced, but others (such as credit cards, passports, birth certificates, etc.) can have a far greater and longer-lasting financial impact on victims through identity theft. Some losses carry deeper emotional value such as treasured antiques, personal mementos, or family heirlooms. Stolen information can also harm others, such as a homeowner's business clients or even a neighbor whose housekeys may be kept there. Others items, such as knives, handguns and law enforcement uniforms, are dangerous in a criminal's hands. The day ends with a cleaning crew putting the house back in order and a security guard posted outside overnight.

On day two, Johnston oversees a complete security makeover (Rainey is again absent during this period). Improvements can include surveillance equipment, new locks, alarm systems, new doors and windows (often with shatter-proof laminates applied to the glass), safes, lock boxes, and thief-deterrant landscaping (such as thorny bushes), along with advice on improving security-conscious habits. Johnston warns the owners that he and Rainey will return to test how well they are maintaining their new security system.

Several weeks later, Rainey and Johnston reappear when the house is vacant to check if the new security measures and the homeowner's vigilance prevent Rainey from breaking in again. They then wait for the owners to return and give them an evaluation of how well they did.

[edit] Season Two

Although the show's premise remains the same, there are some differences in the second season.

The producers, rather than Johnston, make the first contact with the homeowners—who previously applied to be on the show. They are told the burglary can happen at any time and to continue with their normal routines. Johnston does not meet the homeowners prior to the burglary, nor do viewers see what Rainey may steal.
Rainey monitors the residence, learns the homeowners' routines, and waits for the house to be vacant. When it is, he calls Johnston and proceeds with the break-in. The burglary continues as described above, with Johnston watching via closed-circuit television, giving viewers a "play-by-play" account.
When the homeowners return, they find their house burglarized. Johnston soon meets them inside and tours the residence with them. Then he takes them into the van to watch the videotaped burglary as it unfolded.

From this point, the show continues as described above, with Rainey returning the family's items, a team of experts installing security measures, and Johnston and Rainey returning in a few weeks to test those measures.

[edit] About the hosts

Jon Douglas Rainey, born January 20, 1970, currently resides in New York and is a single father. He committed burglaries when he was younger, including a police station, and he also stole Corvettes from the Miss America Pageant. After several arrests and realizing his behavior was self-destructive, he joined the United States Coast Guard, quitting the criminal life for good. He later worked as a private investigator and personal trainer. On It Takes A Thief, Rainey takes the "criminal" role and plans and executes the burglaries. Rainey is also an actor. Among his credits are guest appearances on Sex and the City and All My Children.

Matt Johnston, born December 6, 1976, is currently living in New York. Johnston's former criminal career began as a teenager and mainly consisted of breaking into private homes. Being arrested and having to pay restitution turned his life around. Johnston has worked as a teacher and is now an actor and filmmaker, founding his own production company, Trigger Entertainment, to develop independent film projects. In addition to hosting It Takes a Thief, he has TV and movie roles to his credit, including the yet-to-be released "Cowboy Smoke." On "Thief," Johnston oversees the show's security makeover, acts as a foil to Jon Rainey, and advises homeowners on how to protect their valuables and prevent break-ins.