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Comment by b_emery | Hacker News Reader

My was stolen last year ($3k and 3 weeks to replace), and at the advice of the muffler shop I got one of these, for $200 installed (so far so good): https://www.catstrap.net/

The key is that it would just take a lot longer to steal.

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I only wish Costco would sell and install these for folks (using their purchase power and distribution network to soften the cost). Cheap insurance in areas where this sort of activity is endemic.

I worry about systems like this, because if I were a thief and you pissed me off with the addition of the siren versus just the protective layer, I’d slash your tires and break all of your windows then run off.

So if I’m thinking this, how much worse will an actual criminal behave? Setting a car on fire only costs $5.

Sounds like an extremely poor argument for letting criminals do whatever they want. Do you keep your house/car door unlocked just in case a criminal would like to take a gander? What if the thief throws a brick at the windows and the runs off?

Well, I’ve actually been robbed. I don’t really care what your opinion is.

This says more about you than it does about the product, or of thieves.

Most thieves don't have time for that, they'd rather move on to the next car. why would they want to waste all the energy and attract attention? I suppose a crazed methhead might do it.

Then next time it won't be just a siren but something more injurious.

And if you start setting cars on fire, the cops won't be so lax about catching you.

I highly doubt you could use something more injurious legally at least. Maybe pepper spray or something, but defense must be proportional (including booby traps) - you cannot for example setup a shotgun to shoot their legs (see Katko v. Britney).

My point is that the legality of it would stop mattering much. And even then, set up a siren that can do 160db, that will cause immediate hearing damage. With a bit of know-how, you can also have it fuse off some of that power to drop it under 130db after the first use to make it appear legal.

There are plenty of places in CA where if you're stealing a cat., and the owner catches you, you might find yourself getting pushed off a tall mountainside in the boonies.

I would think that they're in a hurry, see the extra stuff, and move on. The thought had crossed my mind however.

once maybe, twice maybe. Eventually you get caught, and arson will get you jail, even with SF's current DA

Depending on which part of CA you're in, you would be lucky to only get jail time. People that have gone through wildfires won't take kindly to firebugs.

Sounds like you’re describing theft and harassment.

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