Theft Reminder/PSA

Rmdashrf

Rmdashrf

Private
Minuteman
Jul 5, 2018
62
23
32
Foster City, California
#1
A reminder that vehicle break ins occur and mitigating risk can go a long way.

Last weekend my father and I were hunting and came back to our truck broken into and torn apart. We were parked right off a highway next to a known hunting area.

Fortunately for us we didn't bring a back up gun, which can be common for hunting trips.

When filing the police report the sheriff mentioned another hunter had their shotgun stolen not far from our location. The sheriff said it was pretty clear the thief was after firearms.

It looks like the thief tried to pry the door and window open before smashing the rear slider.

Anything recommendations to reduce risk or deter these scumbags?

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#7
I used to leave my jeep unlocked because there was never anything left in it. The one time I gave someone a lift home and they locked the passenger door, that's the night the window frame on that side got kicked in and a cut in the top to open the door.

Other times when it was left unlocked, I could tell people were in it and looking for stuff, but since nothing was there to steal, no damage was done.

I think it depends though... are you more worried about the vehicle getting stolen or stuff? It depends on where you are.
 
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#8
There is no way to deter a shitbag from breaking into your vehicle. Its not hard at all and based on my hundreds of vehicle burglary investigations I've done, the guy or gal that did your vehicle was a complete amateur or otherwise fucking retarded.

Tried to pry your doors, was unsuccessful, then climbed into the bed, smashed your rear window? Makes zero sense whatsoever.

Good ones break a window with a spring loaded center punch acquired from a local tool store or a chip of porcelain from broken spark plugs. Breaking the window takes 2 seconds, open doors rummage around key areas, and be gone in 30 seconds or less.
 
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#9
DCAN said:
I set up a trail cam when I have to park in a questionable spot in the woods. I used to consider slipping into the ghillie suit, leaving a gun visible in the truck, and waiting for a visitor. Had to pass on that idea, cause I knew how things would go. ;)
Click to expand...
99.9% chance they shit their pants and run away. But, there is that 0.01% chance of a confrontation.....and you'd have some 'splainin to do.
 
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#10
DCAN said:
I set up a trail cam when I have to park in a questionable spot in the woods. I used to consider slipping into the ghillie suit, leaving a gun visible in the truck, and waiting for a visitor. Had to pass on that idea, cause I knew how things would go. ;)
Click to expand...

A trail cam is a fantastic idea!!! In my other car I have a dash cam but I've heard a thief will often rip those out. They probably won't notice a trail cam.

Funny enough the sheriff said a citizen's arrest is only a good idea in Texas and other states like that. Being in California makes that not worth the risk on ourselves legally.
 
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#12
clcustom1911 said:
99.9% chance they shit their pants and run away. But, there is that 0.01% chance of a confrontation.....and you'd have some 'splainin to do.
Click to expand...
"Came back after hunting, found someone in my truck, they were armed with a firearm, I was in fear for my life. I'd like to speak with my attorney now." (Spent 30 years in LE)

It's been a few years, but weren't there some videos on YouTube of "packages" left for people to steal in front of houses? Packages filled with nasty stuff and detonated by opening or remote control. Just a thought.
 
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#13
clcustom1911 said:
There is no way to deter a shitbag from breaking into your vehicle. Its not hard at all and based on my hundreds of vehicle burglary investigations I've done, the guy or gal that did your vehicle was a complete amateur or otherwise fucking retarded.

Tried to pry your doors, was unsuccessful, then climbed into the bed, smashed your rear window? Makes zero sense whatsoever.

Good ones break a window with a spring loaded center punch acquired from a local tool store or a chip of porcelain from broken spark plugs. Breaking the window takes 2 seconds, open doors rummage around key areas, and be gone in 30 seconds or less.
Click to expand...
You probably know this, but new(er) vehicles often are equipped with a rudimentary burglary deterrence system. The most common of which, in my limited experience, is that unlocking the door from the inside will set off an alarm. Breaking a side window and unlocking the vehicle from the inside is a sure way to get the alarm going, even if people are so accustomed to them that they don't react. Of course, prying open the door will not set off the alam. Neither will breaking the rear window. Thieves know this and will avoid opening the doors. Perhaps the thief thought s/he had better access through the rear window.

My 2014 silverado was broken into a couple of years ago. Thief broke the passenger side window and rifled through the glove box but didn't open the door. The only thing of value in the truck was my pair of Oakley sunglasses, which I found on the passenger side floorboard. Didn't even open the door to grab them after knocking them off the dash... Several cars in that appartment complex were broken into on the same night- break the window and move quick, but don't open the door and set off an alarm.
 
#14
Rmdashrf said:
A trail cam is a fantastic idea!!! In my other car I have a dash cam but I've heard a thief will often rip those out. They probably won't notice a trail cam.

Funny enough the sheriff said a citizen's arrest is only a good idea in Texas and other states like that. Being in California makes that not worth the risk on ourselves legally.
Click to expand...
Location does make a difference. You might find yourself arrested for not leaving them the keys and a map to your house. But on the serious side, I NEVER leave anything in my truck I can't live without, and NEVER anything which shows my address or personal info. (checkbook and such)
 
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#16
DCAN said:
"Came back after hunting, found someone in my truck (felony), they were armed with a firearm, I was in fear for my life. I'd like to speak with my attorney now." (Spent 30 years in LE)

It's been a few years, but weren't there some videos on YouTube of "packages" left for people to steal in front of houses? Packages filled with nasty stuff and detonated by opening or remote control. Just a thought.
Click to expand...

If the truck is left unlocked is it no longer a breakin/felony?

Obviously any advise comes with the general disclaimers and such 😁
 
#17
Yeah, I have a recommendation to reduce risk or deter these scumbags.

Place NRA and This Vehicle Protected by Smith & Wesson stickers on the vehicle and build a blind 50 yards away to watch it. Bring friends with shovels.
 
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#18
hlee said:
You probably know this, but new(er) vehicles often are equipped with a rudimentary burglary deterrence system. The most common of which, in my limited experience, is that unlocking the door from the inside will set off an alarm. Breaking a side window and unlocking the vehicle from the inside is a sure way to get the alarm going, even if people are so accustomed to them that they don't react. Of course, prying open the door will not set off the alam. Neither will breaking the rear window. Thieves know this and will avoid opening the doors. Perhaps the thief thought s/he had better access through the rear window.

My 2014 silverado was broken into a couple of years ago. Thief broke the passenger side window and rifled through the glove box but didn't open the door. The only thing of value in the truck was my pair of Oakley sunglasses, which I found on the passenger side floorboard. Didn't even open the door to grab them after knocking them off the dash... Several cars in that appartment complex were broken into on the same night- break the window and move quick, but don't open the door and set off an alarm.
Click to expand...

My theory was that the thief went in and back out the rear window to avoid setting off the alarm. Because like you said if they opened up the door from the inside it should set off the alarm.
 
#19
DCAN said:
"Came back after hunting, found someone in my truck (felony), they were armed with a firearm, I was in fear for my life. I'd like to speak with my attorney now." (Spent 30 years in LE)

It's been a few years, but weren't there some videos on YouTube of "packages" left for people to steal in front of houses? Packages filled with nasty stuff and detonated by opening or remote control. Just a thought.
Click to expand...

I considered that after someone broke in and stole my ghetto blaster. Frag grenade in the speaker to a piece of heavy fish line tied to the steering wheel. Thought better of it.
 
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#21
Rmdashrf said:
If the truck is left unlocked is it no longer a breakin/felony?

Obviously any advise comes with the general disclaimers and such 😁
Click to expand...
In Oregon, Unlawful Entry Into a Motor Vehicle, didn't require the vehicle to be locked. I checked and that crime is a class A misdemeanor, not a felony as previously posted. ORS 164.272
Even though it's not a felony, I don't think it would change anything in the big picture.
Sorry for the faulty memory! I edited out the word "felony" from my previous post.
 
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#22
Rmdashrf said:
My theory was that the thief went in and back out the rear window to avoid setting off the alarm. Because like you said if they opened up the door from the inside it should set off the alarm.
Click to expand...
Not to mention that a 5 year old can limp-wrist a stone into the rear glass from 30ft and shatter it. I found that out during one of our kid's summer swim league meets. "Will the owner of a Brown Silverado please come to the scorer's booth? Some feral children have been chucking rocks at your vehicle for the past half hour..."
 
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#24
DCAN said:
Sticker on my truck says, " NOTHING IN THIS VEHICLE IS WORTH YOUR LIFE".
Click to expand...
How often are you in a position to back that up? In the office, shop, grocery store, or any time you are not within visual range of your vehicle, it might as well not exist in your universe. The chances of you being in the area when your vehicle is broken into are so remote that your sticker might as well say "This one is as good as any other. And, he cares enough to draw your attention with a catchy sticker..."
 
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#25
I feel your pain. I live in CA and the police dont even respond to vehicle burglary.

If its totally empty leave it unlocked. Bolt a construction lock box in the back and lock anything you dont want to cary in it.

Otherwise the only deterant is a 3rd party alarm with proximty sensors that can tell when somone approaches. Most theives wont touch it.

Ive thought about rigging a red and blue horn and strobe light from fire alarms inside to mimic police lights and trigger the flight mechanism in the would be theifs brain.

Nothing makes a criminal shit their pants more than red and blue lights.

It would also be so loud inside the vehicle (~100db) they would be inclided to keep the door shut or busy covering their ears and not rummaging through the vehicle.
 
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#26
DCAN said:
Location does make a difference. You might find yourself arrested for not leaving them the keys and a map to your house. But on the serious side, I NEVER leave anything in my truck I can't live without, and NEVER anything which shows my address or personal info. (checkbook and such)
Click to expand...

Hi,

Except it cost $13.16 to run as many vehicle checks per month that I could ever desire to run.
With multiple options in regards to running it...license plate, VIN, etc.
Personal Information ceased being personal about 15 years ago.

Sincerely,
Theis
 
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#27
hlee said:
How often are you in a position to back that up? In the office, shop, grocery store, or any time you are not within visual range of your vehicle, it might as well not exist in your universe. The chances of you being in the area when your vehicle is broken into are so remote that your sticker might as well say "This one is as good as any other. And, he cares enough to draw your attention with a catchy sticker..."
Click to expand...
Answer to the question is, rarely. But it makes me feel good to have it there :devilish: .
 
#28
THEIS said:
Hi,

Except it cost $13.16 to run as many vehicle checks per month that I could ever desire to run.
With multiple options in regards to running it...license plate, VIN, etc.
Personal Information ceased being personal about 15 years ago.

Sincerely,
Theis
Click to expand...
Very true. I just don't want someone knowing I'm not home when they are standing there with my address in hand. Stacking the odds, if only a little bit.
 
#29
DCAN said:
Very true. I just don't want someone knowing I'm not home when they are standing there with my address in hand. Stacking the odds, if only a little bit.
Click to expand...

Hi,

LOLOL I run that shit from my phone while parked and sitting in my own vehicle by yours.

I do not have to break into or enter your truck to rummage through in the hopes I find the addressed envelope on the seat, etc etc......AND if you happen to walk out while I am parked behind/in front (if have 2 license plates) you have no idea what is/was going on.

Sincerely,
Theis
 
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#32
So far my best game plan seems to be:

  1. Leave nothing of value
  2. Make it look like there is nothing of value
  3. Leave the doors unlocked depending on the situation
  4. Set up a no glow trail cam and report any scumbags to the police

There are other more satisfying methods but I most likely won't catch anyone in the act and I have everything to lose by doing so. For those who feel otherwise, please post to YouTube and share your patreon. We all love a good justice video 😉
 
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#33
This crap is like credit card fraud and other property crimes. The cops don’t do anything about it. So it proliferates.

Thieves older than 14 should be executed on the second offense. If that’s too harsh cut a finger off for each offense. 1st offense 1 finger. Second 2 fingers. etc


Not much worse than a thief and once a thief always a thief.
 
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#37
Rmdashrf said:
A trail cam is a fantastic idea!!! In my other car I have a dash cam but I've heard a thief will often rip those out. They probably won't notice a trail cam.

Funny enough the sheriff said a citizen's arrest is only a good idea in Texas and other states like that. Being in California makes that not worth the risk on ourselves legally.
Click to expand...
You don’t arrest them in Texas... you shoot them
 
#38
DCAN said:
I set up a trail cam when I have to park in a questionable spot in the woods. I used to consider slipping into the ghillie suit, leaving a gun visible in the truck, and waiting for a visitor. Had to pass on that idea, cause I knew how things would go. ;)
Click to expand...
If by ghillie suit you mean "a sleep" under a blanket in the back seat, well then legalities change much to your favor.
 
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#40
THEIS said:
Hi,

LOLOL I run that shit from my phone while parked and sitting in my own vehicle by yours.

I do not have to break into or enter your truck to rummage through in the hopes I find the addressed envelope on the seat, etc etc......AND if you happen to walk out while I am parked behind/in front (if have 2 license plates) you have no idea what is/was going on.

Sincerely,
Theis
Click to expand...
Sounds like I had best not piss you off! Or, start using bogus plates on my truck.... :LOL:
 
#41
CHILL52 said:
baiting is legal in some states.... we’re talking about deer break ins right?
Click to expand...

It would be more exciting and rewarding than trying to ambush a deer over a barrel of corn.

"There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter." - Ernest Hemingway
 
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#42
TexPatriot said:
It would be more exciting and rewarding than trying to ambush a deer over a barrel of corn.

"There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter." - Ernest Hemingway
Click to expand...
Is it, "hunted men" or "hunted armed men"? My copy reads "armed men". Thinking of this as the next tattoo and didn't want to get it wrong.
 
#45
DCAN said:
Is it, "hunted men" or "hunted armed men"? My copy reads "armed men". Thinking of this as the next tattoo and didn't want to get it wrong.
Click to expand...
'Armed men.' I was running off memory.

Always double check your quotes before having it permanently stamped on your body so there are no 'ragrets.'
 
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#47
forrestgump01 said:
I'm thinking one of those exploding dye packs that banks use , disguised as something they would think is worth taking.
Maybe replace the dye with , well let's just say " the remnants of a nicely digested meal from taco bell "
Click to expand...

Don't forget to use LOTS of capsaicen so they feel the need to really rub said remnants of a nicely digested meal into their various orifices.
 
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