It Takes a Thief is an American reality television series that originally aired on the Discovery Channel from February 2, 2005, to April 13, 2007. The program stars and is hosted by Matt Johnston and Jon Douglas Rainey, two former thieves who use their unique expertise to teach people in an unusual way to protect their properties.
With the owners' permission, the hosts stage a full-fledged burglary as their victims watch on closed-circuit television (CCTV), either live during the break-in (for season 1) or in real time with pre-recorded video playback (for season 2). Rainey assumes the burglar role and plans and executes the break-ins while Johnston acts as mentor to the security-challenged owners. Immediately following the burglary, Johnston and Rainey meet with the residents to return their stolen goods and explain to them what they have been doing wrong. The majority of break-ins are from weak vulnerabilities like open garage doors, unlocked windows, locks installed incorrectly, using the homeowners ladder left outside or fence to jump to the second floor, etc; they rarely ever had to break a window or kick a door in. Johnston then organizes a complete security makeover and provides additional safety tips. Weeks later, Johnston and Rainey return and attempt another break-in to test whether the homeowners are using their new security system properly. Although most thefts on the show occur in suburban homes, some places such as businesses, college houses, and even a police station have also been burglarized.
Status
The last episode of It Takes a Thief premiered on April 13, 2007.
Matt Johnston and Jon Douglas Rainey survey a neighborhood for a suitable house to burglarize. Homes that appear to have security weaknesses or security-lax owners are targeted. Rainey, who does the actual break-ins, looks for unlocked doors and windows, (the lack of) alarm systems, and any available tools or ladders 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 burglary while Johnston meets with the owners to obtain their permission, offering a free security renovation following the break-in. 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, and Johnston is unaware just how the actual break-in will be executed.
Cameras are installed throughout the house, and the family then locks up as normal when leaving. They then join Johnston in a nearby van to watch the live break-in on TV monitors. Johnston also provides commentary as the burglary is happening.
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. Cars are often taken as well, assuming Rainey can locate the keys. 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 total thousands of dollars. Not all break-ins are successful; police have "apprehended" Rainey on several occasions, although he was immediately released. The producers notify local authorities about the show beforehand.
Once the burglary is over, Johnston takes the owners back into the house to survey the aftermath firsthand. They then meet Rainey—an often emotional encounter. The stolen goods are then returned, and 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 long-lasting financial impact on victims through identity theft. Treasured items, like heirlooms, antiques, or collectibles, are irreplaceable, while 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.
The next day, Johnston oversees a complete security makeover. Rainey is again absent during this period. Improvements may include surveillance equipment, new locks, alarm systems, new doors and windows (often with shatterproof laminates applied to the glass), safes, lock boxes, and thief-deterrent landscaping (such as thorny bushes), along with advice on improving security-conscious habits. Johnston warns the homeowners 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 whether 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 employed the new devices. Overall, there were only a handful of times where Rainey (and his associates) were "caught" during the heist.
Season 2 (2006–2007)
The second season of It Takes a Thief also consisted of 40 episodes and originally aired from October 16, 2006, to April 13, 2007. Johnston has since worked as a teacher and is now an actor, writer, and filmmaker, founding his own production company, Trigger Entertainment, to develop independent film projects. Johnston stated, "If I really had a criminal background, I wouldn't be able to work with children. I mean to even work on the Discovery Channel show, there were extensive background checks. To paraphrase Twain, the rumors of my thievery are greatly exaggerated." In addition to hosting It Takes a Thief, he has TV and movie roles to his credit, including Cowboy Smoke, which premiered at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, and an appearance on Friday Night Lights. Johnston also directed several It Takes A Thief episodes during the second season.