Meet the UK's most brazen petty criminals, shameless pickpockets and benefits scroungers.
In each episode we take a look at the people of Britain who refuse to work but instead rely on other methods to fuel their lifestyles.
In the first series we explore the lives of some of those who are proud to be living on benefits. With a fifth of every British pound paid in tax going directly to support benefit claimants, not everyone is happy with who gets what. Here we meet the people accused of milking the benefits system.
We also delve into the worlds of people who are constantly at the shops, but who never pay, we meet characters who are frank, unapologetic and with stories that are often shocking and frequently absurd. With shoplifting accounting for more than four million offences every year, we expose some unashamed Brits who are shoplifters and proud.
Finally we see the pickpockets and snatchers who make their money by stealing other people’s property - revealing how they target their victims, without a thought for the consequences.
Episode 1 - On Benefits
Mum of eleven, Heather has been branded one of Britain’s biggest benefits scroungers. The local council announce plans to build a new six bedroom house for her extended family and with the benefits bill increasing, so is the controversy that surrounds her.
Julie and Vinnie from Liverpool have not worked for six years but have no problem paying their cable bill. Jobs may not be plentiful but houses certainly are and with the drop of a hat you can move and increase your benefits, which is exactly what Julie and Vinnie do.
Rent in London is sky-high and benefits picks up their £1,200 a month rent. Emma and Sophie came to London as teenagers and have been on benefits since becoming mums. They want work that pays well but with no qualifications they are not prepared to take just any job.
Episode 2 - Shoplifters
Jade has been helping herself to whatever she fancies since she was fourteen. She is now twenty-four and continues to clock up offences but nothing seems to stop her – even the very real threat of jail. .
When it comes to the league table of personal shoplifters, Ian and Amanda are in the premier division. They shoplift to order. Whatever you want, they’ll get it. It’s hard work keeping up with the orders that pop through their letterbox every morning, but somehow they manage.
Episode 3 - Pickpockets
Rob Nightingale has been thieving for the past five years. He shamelessly targets easy hits and will steal anything he can lay his hands on. In just one year alone, he reckons he’s stolen valuables worth around £100,000.
The problem is not confined to British criminals. London is plagued by armies of international thieves who rob tourists and locals without a second thought. They’re after wallets, bags and mobile phones. In this episode we get a shocking insight into the world of petty thieves and their determination to take whatever they can.
