What would you do?

[ccw9mm]

When you return an individual is in in your car attempting to steel it.

Well, if speaking of my grandfather's old work truck, that ol' rusty animal could use a bit of steeling ... to replace all the rusty spots. I'd probably jump in and lend the guy a hand, if anyone were to offer to help like that. Much obliged!

If in the process of being stolen, though, for me it would depend upon when/where. If in the middle of the desert where life depended on surviving days of 100+ temps, then I'm fairly certain I would stop the robbery and (if required) defend against any subsequent act to threaten our lives with the degree of forced required to protect those lives. If just in the driveway in town, very likely I'd call police and document the perp/act as best as I could. Generally speaking, I think that life's not worth a replaceable item. IMO, no matter what steps are taken, or what additional crimes the thief intends to commit, life is worth defending at all times.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Poseidon]

draw and tell him to walk away. if he makes any sudden movements he is getting shot.

[ericb327]

draw and tell him to walk away. if he makes any sudden movements he is getting shot.

Good luck with that!

[GearmanTX]

Now if my kids are in the car then it is a different story

With my boys in the car he'd abandon the car, and them, after about 100yds. ;-) I think the camera phone would be the best thing to use in the empty car scenario, car theft in HD or 8MP Color...

[Poseidon]

yeah there's no right thing to do. it all depends on how much you love/value your car.

[Joey]

Personally I'd call the police and let them handle it. Grab a pic or 2 of him if I could.

I would call the police as well, but I do like the take a couple of pic with your phone idea.


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[Fausty]

i'd open the door and pull them out. i know, wrong answer. but it's honestly what i would do. i love my car, and honestly the guy would be out cold before he hit the ground.

i wouldn't draw on him though.

[ccw9mm]

draw and tell him to walk away. if he makes any sudden movements he is getting shot.

In Kentucky, I'm assuming.

KRS 503.080, 503.055, 503.010. In KY, force may be used in defense of property, with deadly force only lawful if a person is threatened to the level of death or grave bodily injury. But I'd think the mere act of drawing a deadly weapon in clear threat/warning to another could easily be deemed by a DA/GJ as an act creating a "substantial risk of causing death or serious physical injury." Perhaps case law clarifies, but this seems a "test case" problem waiting to happen, if drawing (in KY) based on property loss alone.

[ericb327]

In Kentucky, I'm assuming.

KRS 503.080, 503.055, 503.010. In KY, force may be used in defense of property, with deadly force only lawful if a person is threatened to the level of death or grave bodily injury. But I'd think the mere act of drawing a deadly weapon in clear threat/warning to another could easily be deemed by a DA/GJ as an act creating a "substantial risk of causing death or serious physical injury." Perhaps case law clarifies, but this seems a "test case" problem waiting to happen, if drawing (in KY) based on property loss alone.

Exactly! A threat has to be present.

[AFVeteran19]

Let him take it no reason to let a defense attorney tell a jury he was stealing it to feed one of his kids.

[RevolvingMag]

Would it make me feel 'good'- getting a scumbag off the street and keeping him from stealing my $20,000+ car- probably.

Would it be the smart thing to do? NO.

Is it worth the legal trouble, the mess, the trauma, all the BS? NO.

Is it worth being labeled as a 'crazed gunman'? NO.

[Poseidon]

unless police apprehends him quickly there's a chance car will be chopped into parts.but sometimes you just need to let it go.

[noway2]

Would it make me feel 'good'- getting a scumbag off the street and keeping him from stealing my $20,000+ car- probably.

Would it be the smart thing to do? NO.

Is it worth the legal trouble, the mess, the trauma, all the BS? NO.

Is it worth being labeled as a 'crazed gunman'? NO.

All the above is true. It also makes me consider whether or not we, as a whole, need to start rethinking the rules regarding protection of property. Property is more than just stuff. It is an extension of you, your labors and efforts, thoughts, opinions, and even feelings.

Also, stealing a vehicle is akin to what stealing a horse used to be. One was justified in killing a horse thief. Cars, like horses, are more than transportation but an item that is necessary to conduct ones way of life.

[ccw9mm]

But your car also has your address (registration) and likely a garage door opener. Something to keep in mind.

Not mine, for just this reason.

[RevolvingMag]

All the above is true. It also makes me consider whether or not we, as a whole, need to start rethinking the rules regarding protection of property. Property is more than just stuff. It is an extension of you, your labors and efforts, thoughts, opinions, and even feelings.

Also, stealing a vehicle is akin to what stealing a horse used to be. One was justified in killing a horse thief. Cars, like horses, are more than transportation but an item that is necessary to conduct ones way of life.

I'm with you- if you could hang a car thief like you could a horse thief there would be a lot less crime in the world. Or at least this country.

Unfortunately, now all car thieves are 'good people just trying to get by and made a few mistakes'. Unlike how it was back when horse thieves were hung or shot.

But, on the same note, unless you're somehow in the middle of the desert you're not as likely to die without your car. And- according to the justice system these days- the criminal has just as many rights as you, but probably more.