Michael Fraser, from Ravenshead, used to be a burglar. Since leaving a life of crime he's been on a mission to both reform young offenders and educate people about home security. About Michael "I grew up in care. Ninety percent of people in care go on to crime. "All through my childhood I was breaking into houses. I was totally out of control." Michael nearly received a custodial sentence as a youngster after committing a series of burglaries. He escaped a life of crime after being influenced by the 'right' people. "At 18 I made a decision to come out of crime as I was scared of going to prison. At that time - 30 years ago - prison was very bad." The owner of a small aluminium company 'took a risk' and employed him as a junior. He worked hard and has never looked back.
"I believe people can change if they want to." Beating the burglars Michael found a strange form of national fame as a presenter of BBC TV's To Catch a Thief and Beat the Burglar - two programmes aimed at educating the public about home security. As part of one of the shows would break into people's houses to prove to the homeowners how easy it was. He would then come face to face with the 'victims'. "Even though it was a programme it hit home what I'd done to these people - I felt ashamed - that's why I think it is important for someone who commits a crime against somebody should meet the person - see what they've done to that person." Now Michael has written a new book called How Safe is Your Home? which, again, he hopes will help raise awareness. "People just don't seem to realise that your home is your castle - you're proud of it - yet we don't seem to protect it very well." Helping youngsters reform Michael is also a trustee of the Apex Trust which helps people with criminal records get jobs or self-employment by providing them with the skills they might need in the labour market. | 
