Demolition worker with criminal intent (12)
I believe the answer is:
housebreaker
'demolition' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
'worker with criminal intent' is the wordplay.
'worker' becomes 'breaker' (breaker is a kind of worker).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'criminal intent' becomes 'house' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'breaker' after 'house' is 'HOUSEBREAKER'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for housebreaker that I've seen is " Burglar".)