The Margin is happy to report on a new form of "consultancy". A former burglar has provided "insider" information to homeowners on how to avoid falling victim to crime in a home security guide just published.

Drawing on nearly 20 years experience of breaking into properties, ex-convict "John" reveals the green-lights to burglars looking for a suitable house to raid. A badly maintained house suggests untidy security arrangements, a new conservatory can provide a welcome "leg-up" to the upstairs bedrooms and easy-to-flee bungalows are preferred targets over two-storey houses.

The guide, published by British Gas, also includes input from the police and people who have been burgled. John now makes a living as an "international security adviser".