Dad lets ex-con break into his home... for reality TV (From Warrington Guardian)

Dad lets ex-con break into his home... for reality TV

IMAGINE volunteering to have your house burgled.

That is exactly what dad David Ditchfield did after realising his home was an easy target for thieves.

David, aged 34 of Wilkinson Avenue, Paddington, asked reality TV show Beat the Burglar to give his house the once over last week.

Despite knowing an ex-burglar would be breaking and entering the home he shares with his two young children, Seren, aged four, and Poppy, aged two, David left everything as normal, ready for the thief to strike.

He said: "A few things got broken but nothing that can't be replaced. My neighbour who came in with me after it had been done was more shocked than I was, although I was gutted that he took my Disney collection."

It took only seconds to break down David's garage door and gain access to his kitchen but David holds no grudges against the man who intruded into his house.

He said: "I had never really thought about security before and would sooner have bought a Disney video than spend a few pounds on a new lock. This has really made me re-think my priorities.

"The ex-con was a nice chap and really apologetic about the mess he made. We shook hands and I got him a beer. Thankfully the TV company has replaced my garage door with a much better one."

David had no qualms about appearing on TV after being successfully advised about his finances on another show last year. Beat the Burglar's new series will start in November.