So last night/early this morning my truck was broken into. They took my IPOD and the LCD screen, and inverter. Left the subs (not bolted down) amp, CB, DVD player, CD deck and everything else. I live in a neighborhood and while the cop was there for the report, a woman called in and said 2 scooters were stolen down the block (of course she didn't want to file a formal report!!!!!

So a couple of questions.

1. WHat would you do tonight? I doubt they'll come back, but I'm gonna get up really really early and watch over it. If they don't come back tonight, I bet they'll come back some time. They know that other stuff was there!

2. If they came back what would you do, besides call 911? (I have a 12ga and a .40)

3. Any other stories.....comments....?

 

If you suspect they are kids from your neighborhood, post a "stolen" notice around there, maybe their parents will see it and make them return it.

 

Remove all other valuables from your truck. Keep the outside lights on. If you don't have a dog, consider getting one. They are some of the best alarms.

My parents were burglarized this weekend (auto). The idiots smashed the stereo in becasue he couldn't steal it. And they stole some other stuff inside the vehicle. My parents are now considering a small dog to use as an alarm

 

That would work. Don't use a gun. As much as I know I would want to I wouldn't. Unless they're threatening your life or safety it could turn around and bite you in the butt. Keep an eye on your truck and if they do come back call 911 and make sure you get a good description of them and which direction they go. It may seem like a weenie way out, but it could save you alot of heartache later. They could be carrying guns too and the situation could turn really ugly if you confront them.

 

I'll rent you my 160lb rott and you can chain him to your truck for a while...He might sleep too soundly to make any diffirence though....

 

I wanna get one of those tornado or earthquake alarms and put it in my truck, wired so if any door or window gets open it wakes up the whole city, lol. they'd probably have a heart attack before they could get away.

 

The business end of a 12ga is just purely pyschological! You can also pull the hammer back and it would have the same effect....I think I will get my friends side-by-side 12ga now! Honestly, Just sit up and wait for them, then follow them home then call the police. Then again, if they come in a car, hook up a chain to their bumper and when they go to leave put'er in reverse and then call the police and tell'em to look for a car missing a bumper.

 

Tranquilizer darts and gunny sacks.

Realistically though, Id just get over it. Maybe put an alarm on or park closer to house/dogs if possible. I have had stuff stolen from my car before multiple times. Its just items, oh well. Ive known some people that did that too and they loved the psychological effect it has on people. If they know they are messing with you/putting you in fear/changing your ways just to accomodate them they will return and keep doing it over and over. some sort of sick satisfaction.

 

1.) Much as it pains me to say, put away ANY thoughts of using your guns. Short of Texas, this country has lost any respect for personal property rights, and simply pointing a deadly weapon at a perp would probably get you jail time.

2.) Forget any physical act, for reference, see #1.) above.

3.) Post stolen signs, check with local Pawn shops, etc.

4.) Evaluate where you park your truck, lighting, position from the house, visibility, etc, all enter into the equation. A cheap camera tied to a video recorder can work wonders, but do not be terribly surprised if even with recorded evidence, the police do nothing.

5.) Find out who is doing the thieving, and plot a sound strategy to use the above tranquilizer dart and gunnysack to full potential. ( just kidding, or am I? )

I dont mean to be a downer here, but these are the realities we face in this country, where the rights of the perpetrator are greater than those of the victim........ and no, Im not going to get into a discussion about how we become the perp when we protect our turf.

 

It sucks but these things happen. Don't let the idea of someone stealing a couple hundred bucks worth of gear from your truck keep you from a good nights sleep. Do everything in your power to make sure your rig is not an easy or tempting target and get on with your life. If you just happen across someone stealing your stuff simply make sure they fall down and hurt themselves real bad trying to get away before you call the cops.

 

Well whatever you do don't shoot unless your life is in danger, seriously doubt they come back but as mentioned before a dog is the absolute best alarm they will tell you if something is goin down.

 

I would say the best thing you can do if you live in a small town run an add in the paper for an award of an unspecified amount, also spread the word around the neigborhood talk to kids they know everything offer them money to flip.

 

How did they break in the truck? jimmy the door latch? rear slider? If i caught someone in the act of doing it, then it would definently get violent, but theres not much you can do now. Just get a nice motion alarm.

 

Quote:

What would you do....honestly?

I'd do what I always do, not leave valuable items in plain sight in my truck.

If you catch someone in the progress of breaking into your vehicle, either:

1) Dial 911.

2) Yell at them from the safety of your home (they'll probably run away).


Things I would NOT do:

1) Draw a gun. I don't believe in drawing a gun unless you're planning to use it, and I wouldn't shoot someone over material possessions that can be replaced. Besides, if you draw a gun, you might HAVE to use it...and then you get to live with that on your conscious for the rest of your life (assuming you live long enough for it to be on your conscious).

2) Chase them when they run.

If you have other means of securing your truck then it's probably best to use them (dog, garage, alarm, lighting, etc.).

 

I caught someone trying to steal my offroad lights from a rooftop rack on my old Toyota.
I heard a noise and and looked out to see them in the bed trying to unscrew the lights.
I called 911, then since I didn't want to have to bother with replacing the lights I yelled at them and they took off.
They were long gone by the time the police got there, so all I could do was give a description of 2 shadowy figures.

I think my Viper will do a pretty good job of both alerting me and scaring off the would be thieves.
You don't even have to open the door for it to go off, just unlocking it will trip it, let alone breaking a window.


phox