I had a minor incident with porch pirate and while minor it was annoying. I mostly refuse to install cameras, but as a result I am debating Fallout style rotating turrets watching people walking up the stairs. Obviously not plasma turrets, calm down. I am clearly joking.
Anyway, I wondered if anyone was playing with anything beyond just reporting/passing video to cops ( if they have a recording )?
Although an easier solution would be for a less capable robot to be armed with pepper spray. All couriers or visitors need to use an app or a verification code. If they don't provide it and are not in the face database and try to continue then they are pepper sprayed.
Also a good way to keep out unwanted solicitors.
Assault is not great, but the necessary response is a function of a low trust society. Better to be safe than experience loss to life and property.
For a totally accessible answer this article is hard to beat IMO: https://theprepared.com/blog/booby-trap-laws/
It gets to the core issue, which is that the laws as written are pretty vague, but the jurisprudence is overwhelmingly in favor of siding against booby traps. It's illegal at the federal level, and as far as I'm aware prohibited by all states as well, either explicitly or more usually through precedent in court. The reasoning of the courts seems to be more or less identical: it's a dangerous destructive device incapable of making the sort of prudent judgement required for a use of force. In short, it's an irresponsible and indiscriminate use of force.
Now you asked about Illinois in particular, so here's the relevant statute there: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=0720...
If you had a robot dog instead, not so much.
Where I live, just leaving a package outside the fence (postman can't even get to the door) would be bonkers. And this isn't an area with a lot of crime. People just don't trust eachother much to begin with.
If this happens often, consider getting a UPS drop box, or a box at your Post Office.
Otherwise, a neighbor who is home at all hours.
https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/ccw-protocol-...
I believe glitter bombs and dye packets don't qualify as "superfluous injury", but I am not a lawyer.
And maybe shit in a bag and put it in a retaped Amazon box and leave it out for someone to take. Bonus points if you can stick a bunch of maggots in there that become flies by the time they open it.