18 DECEMBER 2004, Page 79

From Kirstie Allsopp Q. As a television presenter I need

to spend a fortune on clothes so as to constantly ring the changes. I am also the eldest of four and my siblings have gleaned the erroneous impression that all telly presenters are given clothes free by designers anxious to publicise their wares. Since I am going home for Christmas I want to ensure that my wardrobe remains intact. How can I prevent my siblings from using it as a lucky dip?

A. May I suggest you contact Mr Peter Hutchinson from Xtra-Sense, who supplies the art world with security surveillance systems? For as little as £150 a device can be fitted which detects changes in weight usually in objects on plinths, but it would work equally well with a wardrobe — and triggers a noisy alarm. With his help you can loll back and relax over Christmas, secure in the knowledge that should your siblings attempt to leave the premises with some of your prized possessions, they can be swiftly apprehended.(Xtra-Sense, 01404 43366)