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It Takes a Thief

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Matt Johnston, Jon Douglas Rainey, Where to watch: Discovery Channel)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Reformed thieves teach how to be safe (or scared).

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show's intent is to help people keep their houses safe from burglary, but viewers could theoretically learn how to break into houses by watching the show. The hosts are former thieves who've turned their lives around. Most featured families are white and suburban.

  • Violence:

    Fake robber and his accomplices kick down doors, break windows, toss things around, and seem very aggressive while doing so.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Some bleeped cursing, along with words like "suck" and "damn."

  • Consumerism:

    Brands of home security equipment are sometimes visible. Hosts strongly promote hiring home security experts and installing expensive security systems.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About It Takes a Thief

Parents need to know that this series about home security involves a former thief breaking into a home. Though it's probably not the show's intent, viewers learn methods for burglarizing houses. The hosts strongly promote the use of expensive security systems. Bottom line? Children of all ages may feel more afraid of their surroundings, whether dangerous or not, after watching.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about real versus perceived danger. What are the crime statistics in your area? Do you know anyone who's been burglarized? What's the emotional impact of being robbed? What's the emotional impact of feeling afraid of being robbed? How much time and energy do kids and parents feel is important to put into keeping possessions safe? How can families feel safe without feeling afraid? Is the show being responsible by demonstrating burglarly methods?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    rockstarg@m3r
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Good Show!

    I love this show.It teaches families about how to be safe. Its also intresting to see what they can steal and if they almost get caught. A must see!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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