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.

[1] 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.

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.

Please consult with a home security expert before taking any action to protect your home.In the introduction, the title sequence states: Jon Douglas Rainey: burglar, thief...Matt Johnston: thief, intruder...They were a couple of housebreakers...but they turned their lives around....Private eye...Schoolteacher...Now they're back...for one last job...because to catch a thief...It Takes a Thief.After the title sequence in the introduction of the Season-1 episodes, host and narrator Matt Johnston explains: I'm Matt Johnston, and this is my partner Jon Douglas Rainey.

Now, we're here to help law-abiding citizens avoid this....First, we find a property that's just begging to get hit....Our producers tell the owners we could strike at any time, day or night.

Then, we rig the place with cameras that track Jon's every move, stealing thousands of dollars' worth of goods...or getting caught red-handed.

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).

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.

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.

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.

As Rainey burglarizes the residence (knowing that the homeowners could return at any time), Johnston alone watches the heist unfold live on the CCTV monitors while giving commentary.

[4] 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.

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,[5] and an appearance on Friday Night Lights.