What would you do?

[ericb327]

I want to know because I wonder what I would do.

You pull up to a convienent store and go inside for coffee. When you return an individual is in in your car attempting to steel it. You are not in any danger! Do draw down on him/her or attempt less than lethal force? Or, do you let them take it and be a good witness?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[pgrass101]

I would wave goodbye to my 2004 Hyundai with 200,000 miles on it and call the cops

[Lish]

I had almost the same discussion with a group of dads last night at sports practice, there have been a bunch of vehicle break ins there lately. A couple of them thought I was nuts, but my feeling is it's property. I'm not in danger. Personally I'd call the police and let them handle it. Grab a pic or 2 of him if I could.

[ericb327]

I would wave goodbye to my 2004 Hyundai with 200,000 miles on it and call the cops

Good answer!

[GeorgiaDawg]

If they were trying to steal my car, I'd let them take it and claim the insurance on it. I might stop them and ask for an address that I can send a "thank you" card to.

[munsterrr]

A car is not worth you gambling on spending time in jail. Cops in deed.

[oakchas]

Well, it's only property.. In Iowa we can't shoot to protect property (unless it's a forcible felony, or more.. and it ain't). And otherwise, I probably wouldn't shoot unless he was trying to run me down with it... and sometimes bullets don't go through vehicle glass so well... So, nope.

[ghost tracker]

I wouldn't do a thing. Because, in a short second, my very quiet 95 lb. pitbull is going to make his presence known. When that happens, the perp is going to be very urgently asking for my intervention. If Rocks wasn't in the car, I would get a good description and watch him drive away. That's what the police do & what insurance is for.

[noway2]

In every state that I know of, you are not allowed to use lethal force to protect property. That being said, your under no obligation to just let them have it, though that may be the wisest (safest) course of action.

[ericb327]

I ask the question because we are armed and some might lean towards drawing their weapon in the heat of the moment.

[pgrass101]

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

[ericb327]

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

Agreed!

[Harryball]

The scenario as you described...I would yell, scream, holler and raise the roof, but would not pull my weapon. (unless he pulled a weapon, then its a different story)

[ericb327]

I have no regard for murderers, thieves, rapists and criminals in general. However, I will follow the law and good judgement.

[WHEC724]

I don't recommend this, but since I happen to be fond of my vehicle, I'd get out the camera phone and do a photo-shoot of his progress. That might dissuade him. If he decides to leave, I'd let him.

If he attacked me, I'd defend myself.

I just have a hard time rolling over.