Night prowlers

[jduvall89]

Two summers ago my truck got stolen right from our property with my guitars,ipod,cameria,and checks in it. Some punk kids rolled it out of our driveway and drove off with it..then wrecked it once they ran out of gas off the highway and took everything..

This event left my family and me shocked and wanting revenge but the cops said they would handle it..well I don't know if the kids were ever caught but there was a shootoff the following days between one of the kids and the cops..

Anyways, tonight we saw some punks slowly driving past our driveway earlier and it has kept me alert and I am still bothered checking the window every minute and I am just wondering what would you guys do if you saw someone raiding your stuff and taking off with your car persay?

I don't know what I would do, I would need a bright light to see them better in the dark but then If they were carrying I would be targeting myself..should I just open the door and start yelling? Pull out gun and tell them to scram? What is your perspective on a situation like this? Thanks

 

[GaSheepDog]

First, get yourself a wireless driveway alarm, motion floodlights and a car alarm. They're inexpensive and you won't have to "check the window every minute." I had a problem with repeat vandalism for awhile last year and installed a few driveway alarms around my property. You'll get some false alarms due to animals sometimes but I view those as "training opportunities".

Second, if you see someone breaking into your vehicle, call 911.

These first two options are legal and safe to do in all 50 states. Any controversy or arguments will come after you decide what steps 3+ will be.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A lot will depend on your state law. In most states you cannot (unfortunately) use deadly force to defend property. If you can do so from a relative place of safety, I know of no law that prevents you from lighting them up [WITH A FLASHLIGHT ETC.- Mod Note] and verbally warning them off. You can - should - observe and report for the police.

Two summers ago my truck got stolen right from our property with my guitars,ipod,cameria,and checks in it.

This is why I am opposed to the idea of a "car/truck gun," i.e., a backup gun left permanently in a vehicle.

 

[Stirling XD]

If at all possible, park your vehicle in a the garage. I see too many people fill their garage with junk that wouldn't even bring $50 at a garage sale while their new $30k (or more) car full of expensive electronics sits out on the street. If you can't park in a garage, then don't leave valuables in the vehicle that sits in the driveway or on the street. That's asking for a broken window at the least.

I like the driveway alarm idea some. You might be able to run out and scare them off, but on the other hand, you might be running out to an ambush. And if they decide not to be scared away that easily, then what? You can't shoot someone for stealing your car. (Unless you left a family member in it.)

If you simply want to see the thief get caught instead of get away with it, you could install a vehicle tracking system. You could then call the police, tell them where it is and shut it down when the police were in position. But those things are expensive.

 

[happygeek]

I had an idea for a vehicle anti-theft device that involves jerry rigging a mace container to the driver side door. You'd just have to remember to open and get in the passanger side door when you return to your vehicle. In case of someone jimmying the door they'd get hit with the mace. The beauty of it is, you don't even have to hit them directly, as long as it goes off inside the car. What thief is going to stand there for 20 min plus waiting for the air to clear?

I have yet to test out this idea, but I need to some day.

 

[highbrass]

Maybe put up a fence and get a barky or big dog? bright motion activated lights might help, the alarms mentioned seem like a good idea too.
Also, although we have a fence we left it wide open for a while as we unloaded out vehicle and poof our stuff in the back of the truck was stolen. So now we keep the gate closed and locked at all times, and we have added dogs to our family.

If I saw them in my yard stealing, I'd call the cops, (worry that they had poisoned my dogs) and protect my kids from indoors. For me personally, stuff can be replaced but my family getting hurt over it by some meth head or whatever is not worth it.

 

[Grizfire]

Take a picture of them, it will come in very handy when the police investigate. A picture (better yet, video) of their license plate would help as well. After that, call the police and remain in a armed, defensive position.