A POP superstar and a TV legend were targeted by the alleged mastermind behind plans to burgle homes of millionaire celebs.

The Sun told yesterday how Simon Cowell had thanked us after we uncovered the alleged plot to raid his £45million pad.

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Simon Cowell thanked The Sun after we smashed an alleged plot to burgle his £45million London mansionCredit: Getty
His mansion — previously hit in another raid — was on a list of possible targets.

A security expert hired to make the stars’ homes impregnable was arrested in connection with the plot.

It is suspected he had paid for the delivery of a lock decoding gadget from Bulgaria, knowing it could open tungsten-strengthened locks on clients’ £15,000 front doors.

The security business boss is said to have lined up a break-in on a south coast pad owned by the singer, but rented out to a footballer.

The boss reportedly told a former criminal who he wanted to recruit: “The singer had a door recently.

“I will double check everything with the locks. I’ll get you a lock and a cylinder so you can practise on that.”

Another target was said to be the London property of a TV favourite loved by millions.

The boss allegedly named other wealthy former clients, including a sportsman.

It is claimed he said victims’ families may need “tying up”.

Yesterday’s Sun detailed how we listened in as the businessman said of 63-year-old Cowell’s home: “I just know what security he’s got.”

He laughed at the “madness” of a firm selling expensive security doors when, unknown to their rich clientele, the £750 decoder could open them in seconds.

The ex-crook he was speaking to had no intention of carrying out the burglaries.

Scotland Yard is investigating.