Hey guys, I recently have been having trouble with kids getting into my truck at night and stealing, throwing trash in, and vandalising it. It is a 92 GMC and I rarely drive it since I lost my job, it is parked in my driveway. I lock the doors but if you wiggle the handle, it comes open.

Today, after cleaning out broken bottles and getting the smell of beer out, I was extremely tired of it! I don't have a camera or anything and have stayed up before and not caught anyone. The cops fill out a report but don't do anything more. I was thinking of ideas and thought of a good one. Or so I thought!

I put two insulated copper strips (about 1/2" x 3 in.) on the door handles. One on the "trough" and one on the actual pull handle (LOL, kinda hard to explain!). I then wired them to a jimmy-rigged extension cord and through the door jamb then out the firewall to the engine bay and finally mounted with a male plug on the inner fender. I then plugged another extension cord into an outside outlet near the garage and "plugged" the system in:thumbsup:

I had one of my dumb friends WILLINGLY touch the door handle and got zapped! It kicked the breaker (like planned). I was excited but now I'm wondering if this is even legal!? I mean, it is on the handle so it isn't like someone could accidentally get shocked. :confused:

If you wake up and there is a dead body in the driveway, it's illegal. Otherwise, it's andextremely fitting prank! :D :thumbsup:

What are they going to do? Call the cops and tell them they got shocked while breaking into your truck?

I suppose in this day and age, they could......

Ryan,

Years ago, I would have probably done the same thing, but no way in today's world. Now maybe an electric fence power supply :)

I would get an alarm with the loudest siren you can find. The one in our shop actually hurts your ears if you are in the building when it goes off. It might just scare the crap out of them enough that they wont come back.

Either that or rig up a web camera where they cant see it and try and get a good ID for the cops.

No.:D

But only concern would be that They get pissed after They get shocked, and REALLY thrash on the Truck.:(

Since you've gone through the hassle of wiring up the truck, how about wiring up an alarm that wakes you up when the door opens on the truck? Something that they won't hear, but will get you out of bed?

haha that's funny, the problem is they will retaliate and destroy your truck. Maybe just happen to leave your cobra snake in the truck.

Just video the idiots writhing around on the ground in pain after getting zapped. I love it!

LOL... thats great!
I dont think you went to far at all, it's really harmless. To the best of my knowledge, 110 can't kill anyone. Now if you hooked it up to 220, well, that may be pushing it a little, LOL.
Really if you think about it, it's no different then a car alarm that fights back!
Good for you!

The problem with an alarm is I am HIGHLY suspect that they live nearby, maybe only a few houses down. The only reason I think that is late one night I was working on the chevelle with the garage door open and got hungry. I closed the door, came in and ate, and was back outside in about 10 minutes. The truck door was open and so I woke my brother, we got in our cars and he drove one way and I drove the other and noone was around! Plus, there are a few bad apples around.

The silent alarm is not a bad idea.

I was actually thinking of the retaliation thing already. You see, this isn't the first time I've had a brilliant idea on how to stop it. Last year I bought some off road HID lights they sell at Kragens. I put them on the center console one facing the driver's door and one facing the passenger's door. Then I wired them to the dome light. Late one night I was woken up by yelling and "AWWW I can't f****n see!!!" And when I looked out my window there was two teenagers running around! By the time I got downstairs and outside, I couldn't find them! The next day my windshield was broken:mad:

Ya, your in for it after you shock one of em.

Video Camera set-up and have them "Charged" the right way ;)

Correctly applied, the current from 110VAC can easily kill you.

If I remember correctly, it only takes 100mA to stop a heart. That's .1A which isn't much. Of course, the current path would need to be through, or near the heart. For example in one hand and out the other.

That said, its unlikely to hurt anyone unless they are barefoot in the rain, but its probably not worth the risk.

To the best of my knowledge, 110 can't kill anyone.

110 CAN kill ! I know personally that it can. You have to have the right set of circumstances, but it can kill you. Probably won't in this case, but a siren would be a better idea. In Miami about ten years ago, a guy owned a body shop that was routinely broken into through the same window. The owner rigged up a trap of sorts with glass, nails and it worked very well. In the end, the owner was arrested for intentionally harming someone with pre meditation. Then the thief sued the guy and won money from him. Messed up deal, but that's the truth.
Be careful, but get those bass turds somehow ;)

Put this sign on it:

"PLEASE VANDALIZE THIS TRUCK"

I don't think I would do it. Too much risk in today's society. Have you talked to the parents of the kids you think it may be? Or set up a neighbohood watch and put up some signs.

What about a motion light?

Edit:

Nevermind, I missed this part...."By the time I got downstairs and outside, I couldn't find them! The next day my windshield was broken "

You and a buddy catch them in the act and beat their ass senseless. Then drag em' inside the house and call the cops.

Since you've gone through the hassle of wiring up the truck, how about wiring up an alarm that wakes you up when the door opens on the truck? Something that they won't hear, but will get you out of bed?

Hell, wire up a camera and post the video here for us to watch! :thumbsup:

I do agree however, that this might cause more destruction, so I'd honestly get a camera or two...

Too bad you couldn't rig it to the inside door handles, and have it arm once they got inside (although they probably don't shut the doors once inside)... The kid would be trapped for a while... Now THAT would be funny...


You and a buddy catch them in the act and beat their ass senseless. Then drag em' inside the house and call the cops.

I went on a "ride along" with a buddy of mine in Law enforcement. We had to go to the hospital to take some report, and there was another officer in there waiting for some kid to be stiched up... Seems he broke into a car, and while trying to hotwire it, the owner and his friend came along and pulled him out, had some fun, and then called the police... My buddy and the other officer teased the kid pretty bad...

To the best of my knowledge, 110 can't kill anyone.

Obviously you have NO knowledge of electricity, and shouldn't be giving anyone advise on the uses of it.


Rocky

[QUOTE=Jimmy P;1877499]110 CAN kill ! I know personally that it can. You have to have the right set of circumstances,

Can is the bad thing here.
Yes Thats why you use 220v :D

Obviously you have NO knowledge of electricity, and shouldn't be giving anyone advise on the uses of it.


Rocky


Well, I never claim to be an expert in any field. But I did work with my brother in law for about 9 months, who is a self employed electrician, doing all sorts of electrical work. As a matter of fact, I wired up several shops, garages, as well as all other kinds of indoor and outdoor lighting in both residential and commercial establishments. I've been hit with 110 several times, and felt nothing more then a little BUZZ or small shock. For me, it was nothing to shake a stick at.
But apparently you know something that I don't.
But to the original poster, I say juice it up to 220!...... :D

P.S.... Nothing I have ever wired has burnt down or been a problem that I have ever known. Now send me pictures of your car! :thumbsup:

Yeah, hook up a camera.... oh wait. He said he was out of a job right now. Might be tough with finding extra cash. I would make it very inviting one evening, and sit and wait. The after finding out who-talk to the parents. Let them know you aren't going to take it lightly and will assume it is thier kid when the next thig happens.


Cops will be called, kids will get in trouble, truck will eventually get destroyed by them. or parents will do thier job and take care of it.

110,220, hehe go for the 480V. just be sure to have a hole ready.

I think we could get a collection up for a web camera if you "wire" up the truck :D

I also agree that a zap from the 110 would get them PO'd and they'll do more/worse damage.

i thought about doing this same thing but not to my truck but to the guy next door, which i cant stand the site off, i thought after it kills him i could just pull the cord back to my side of the street, but i would only do this on a night when their a thunder storm, just incase it did or didnt fry him, he a very big drug dealer , so i figured i would be doing the world a favor,,, he sure is lucky im a people person

down here in Miami the Castle Doctrine extends outward from your house to the limits of your property. If they were messing with my truck like that the WOULD be shot. not just babbling bad ass talk either, I had some kids in my neighborhood about 6 months ago that thought it would be funny to light fireworks in my driveway and after they saw my fat butt in my boxers holding my 12ga. they have made it a point to not to play with fireworks anymore.....pull a gun on 'em, I would put my car up that they wont mess with you or your property anymore

Two well secured Infrared digital camera traps aimed at each access point should do the job. Then you could copy and paste a few 100 or so fliers of the Burglery in progress in high traffic areas for maxium exposure. With a time, date, place and words like "Trespasser""Thief""Thieves". I believe legally, it is not Libel if it is a reasonably belief to be true so your crime in progress shots should be covered, I'm no attorney. But all it takes is Grandma, Mom or Wife to see pictures of her sweet innocent whatever caught stealing while heading into the local supermarket or getting gas to stop your problem. Maybe even hand deliver a few to your local LEO headquarters. If they know your area well. They can probably ID the person(s) and go have a sit down, since most criminals are not too bright, they may see the pics and confess. As far as you using electricity as a means of behavioral modification I believe it is a potential liability, while a possible deterent it exposes you legally. I've been in your situation before. Good Luck.

220 will blow your hand off the short whereas 110 will grab it and you will start to fold up into a fetal position and die!!

440 will take your hand off if you aren't lucky! Ask me how I know?

If you have Castle Doctrine, I'd sleep in the truck w/ a loaded 12 pump, double, whatever or a "Judge" w/ alternating 00 Bucks and 45 long Colts and see how it turns out??

And call the Cops and detail the situation to THEM before you go to sleep so it will be on record.

Never mind, I will just get you in too deep.

pdq67

The "deer cameras" are not a bad idea. Along with a motion sensor wired to an audible device in your bedroom, so you can scare them off before they destroy the evidence.

It's not the volts that can kill you, it's the amps. Wiring the truck with electricity is the same as placing boards with nails through them, on the ground, concealing them and having ANYONE step on them, even on your own property. There are many cases of Burglars who injured themselves outside a home they were attempting to burglarize, wound up suing the owner of the home and winning. The use of loaded weapons to protect your truck, other then your life, is against the law. If you don't believe me, try it once and the Police will be hauling you off to jail. Use some common sense and invest in a decent alarm system. Calling the Police ahead of time will just result in them coming down and arresting you, especially in Kalifornia.


Respectfully,
John R.

12 gauge and rock salt goes a long way.

long while back, I had a stereo stolen out of my truck, I got so ticked off I took a old home stereo, pulled the back off of it. and stuck a plastic bag full of gunpowder and a rocket engine igniter wired to the plug. I figured just park it in a conspicuous space and let some lowlife steal it. Let them plug it in when they get home and whoosh! not BOOM because it wasnt enclosed. Unfortunately my wife talked me out of placing it, so I just emptied the powder and tabled the whole idea. jim

Ryan, if you didn't live so far away, I would come out and post myself on guard duty. I'm an excellent shot. ;)

Ryan, if you didn't live so far away, I would come out and post myself on guard duty. I'm an excellent shot. ;)


The Deadliest Weapon in the World.....A Marine and his Rifle.


Respectfully,
John R.

The Deadliest Weapon in the World.....A Marine and his Rifle.


Respectfully,
John R.

John...you've said it all. :)

dead men tell no tales!!
got a .38 and a shovel. good with both!

Put a baby monitor in it. If someone hops in it and starts moving around you will hear them. Then you can go out and "greet them"!

Put a baby monitor in it. If someone hops in it and starts moving around you will hear them. Then you can go out and "greet them"!

Exactly, then you have the upper hand! I've said many times to use them, cheap and easy.

Put dog crap under the door handle and then let them "jiggle" it to get in.
Seriously... get a camera of some sort and show the video to the cops before these losers escalate things. Someone has already vandalized ONE of your vehicles.
Steve

220 will blow your hand off the short whereas 110 will grab it and you will start to fold up into a fetal position and die!!

440 will take your hand off if you aren't lucky! Ask me how I know?


pdq67

That is not necessarily true, electricity takes ALL paths and seeks a complete circuit, it doesn't always do the same thing.
It depends on which path it will take through the human body.
IF it goes directly from one had to the other and passes through the chest and heart muscles you most likely will be a goner, even with much less than 120 volts. :(

That is why we are taught to keep one hand in our pocket or tied behind our back when working with hot circuits.

-------------------------------------------
You will be the one going to prison if you set any booby trap. :yes: :yes:

OK, so I guess I'll be the one to ask............................................... ......................Why not just FIX THE DOOR HANDLE so the locks work like they're supposed to?????

The police told me if I delibertly injure someone on my property while protecting my property, I loose in the legal system as I violated their constitutional rights. However, I can use lethal means only if their act toward me is considerded one step lower than mine.

Don't go to jail because of a scumbag criminal.

Thanks to the ACLU which I refer to as the AMERICAN CRIMINALS LIBERTY UNION!

It's not the Volts that Kill you anyway, it's the Amps.

If you have a spare MSD Box laying around, I can send you a diagram to hook it up to your car battery and the Dome light switch :D

It's not the Volts that Kill you anyway, it's the Amps.



What kills is the WATTS. :D

YouTube - Portable Autonomous Sentry demonstration

/thread :D

Just becareful that if you wake up one morning and your head is foggy, don't forget that wire is there!

OK, so I guess I'll be the one to ask............................................... ......................Why not just FIX THE DOOR HANDLE so the locks work like they're supposed to?????

lmao! You're one smart dude.

Im with Scott. :D

"I dont have a front door on my house, how the hell do I stop people from breaking into my home?!?!"

"Put a door on it"

;)

You need 12V and a Model T coil. :)

YouTube - Portable Autonomous Sentry demonstration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxBa5bQfTGc)

/thread :D

That was freakin' hilarious, thanks! l:)l:)

Move to Nebraska? I'm sure I could find you a pretty decent job here. The cost of living is a heck of a lot less. "Nebraska: The Good Life". Trite but true.