THIS is the shocking moment three balaclava-clad burglars scale a wall at the home of a star of Rich House Poor House.
Multi-millionaire Barrie Drewitt Barlow, 53, has been left in fear following the attempted break-in at his Essex property.
CCTV footage has emerged showing a group of men pulling up outside a driveway in a black car.
The men use the vehicle as leverage to climb atop the fence surrounding the property.
They walk along the top of the fence for around 45 seconds, before all returning to the car and fleeing the scene.
The group attempted to force entry into the TV star’s house on November 9, Barrie claims.
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In the video, the gang are seen wearing dark clothing and balaclavas – arriving at the property shortly after 11pm.
Barrie, who hit headlines in 1999 with ex-partner Tony when they became Britain’s first gay dads, has now beefed up security at his home following the scare.
He told The Sun: “We had a ‘home invasion’ this week in the UK. A gang of four lads wearing balaclava masks stormed the house in Essex.
“We have literally had to double security around us and have now just employed a security company in Birmingham to provide around the clock protection for the whole family.
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“We have also just bought two, £100,000 each, protection dogs that are highly trained to be at the house at all times.
“When they realised we were not home, they tried to get Scott’s £198,000 (Audi) R8.”
Barrie lives at the property with his partner Scott, but they were in Bangkok, Thailand, at the time of the attempted break-in.
He added: “It was a very sudden trip, so our plans changed on the last moment and we jumped on a flight out the day before the gang raided the house.
“The current security system picked them up trying to jump the wall and sent a message to my phone, so I called the police right away.
“We’re used to getting threats of people on social media and take no notice of them.”
Barrie continued: “We’ve upped security at the UK and US mansions to make sure nothing could happen even if they did attempt it.
“We are not taking anymore chances. We have hired three more security officers and have bought two German shepherds that have been trained by ex-military special forces.”
Dad-of-eight Barrie, who also has three grandchildren, gave up his fortune to appear on Channel 5’s Rich House Poor House – swapping lives with a struggling mum.
Upon arrival, the council flat was a far cry from the houses he lives in, which have a minimum of six bedrooms and full 24/7 staff including a driver and personal barman.
Speaking of the experience, he said: “I know half the country is struggling right now and I feel for them, I wanted to maybe help at least one family have a better future and taking part in this show, it has helped me to do that.”
Barrie is understood to be worth around £200m – a fortune built from investments and global health companies.
Essex Police has been contacted for more information.
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Jamie Phillips
