Exploring the crime and social effects of theft, Burglars focuses on Norman and John, two ageing burglars who talk at length about their prolific pilfering careers.

They discuss how they feel about their illicit profession and their victims. Norman claims to feel remorse and visits a victim to apologise.

We meet the victims of burglary. Old ladies whose pension books have been stolen. Families whose treasured heirlooms are gone for good. The woman who has been burgled three times in one month. People simply afraid to leave their homes for fear of being ransacked.

We meet the police who are first on the scene, and hear from them about the growing role that drugs play in burglary. An addict who robs for drug money and steals from his own family is arrested and interviewed by the police.