Signal to live a life of crime? (6)

I believe the answer is:

beacon

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'signal' is the definition.
(beacon is a kind of signal)

'live a life of crime?' is the wordplay.
'live' becomes 'be' (synonyms).
'life of crime?' becomes 'con' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'be'+'a'+'con'='BEACON'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beacon that I've seen before include "Warning light on a high point" , "Radio transmitter for positioning" , "Shining light (on top of a hill?)" , "Warning light in the distance" , "Warning fire or signal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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