flower bandit

[PhunkXJ]

someone is stealing my hanging flower baskets from my back yard and deck.

they stole one last Thurs., one last Fri. and one last night. I know that the one last Thurs. was stolen between 5:30pm and 10:30pm and the one Fri. was gone by the time I got home at midnight, I noticed the third one missing after I got home from work tonight. There's 4 more hanging baskets and 4 planters on the deck I hope they come back!

I'm on a corner lot so there is a lot of foot traffic. now I'm sitting at the kitchen table with the camcorder pointed out the window and hooked up to my laptop watching and waiting.

I don't know what I will do if or when I catch the jag bag, I need a weapon of some sort.

anyone else do home stake-outs?

[CanMan]

someone is stealing my hanging flower baskets from my back yard and deck.

they stole one last Thurs., one last Fri. and one last night. I know that the one last Thurs. was stolen between 5:30pm and 10:30pm and the one Fri. was gone by the time I got home at midnight, I noticed the third one missing after I got home from work tonight. There's 4 more hanging baskets and 4 planters on the deck I hope they come back!

I'm on a corner lot so there is a lot of foot traffic. Now Im sitting in a lawn chair in the back yard, with a pump pellet gun, ready to pick off the theif, who keeps taking my flower baskets. I like to use the hollow or pointed tip ones, not the brass BB's. They tend not to hurt as bad.

Now I know what to use, to catch the jab bag who keeps stealing my pretty flowers..

anyone else do home stake-outs?

Fixed it for ya. :D

[PhunkXJ]

they were really pretty flowers too I was using miracle grow spray feed once a week and they really took off nicely, I even watered them every day. This was my first year having live flowers. I'm bummed out.

I even drove through the cemetary across the street this afternoon thinking some cheapo put them on their mother's grave.

I'll have to borrow my nephews bb guns tomorrow, that's a good idea.

[Kejtar]

Rock salt shotgun shells are hand loaded with rock salt, replacing the standard shot. Rock salt shells were used by rural civilians to defend their property, and were the forerunners of modern less-than-lethal rounds. The brittle salt was unlikely to cause serious injury at long ranges, but would cause stinging light injuries

[CanMan]

Ive done something similar to a 12GA birdshot shell. Emptied out the pellets, and replaced them with like 6 dimes. Didn't kick hard at all, but sure fawked up the microwave we were shooting at. The rock salt idea is a good one.

[cracker]

I'd take a $hit in each flower pot.

It may stop :dunno:

Good luck Paula.

[GSequoia]

I'm sure it's just your normal stalker stepping up his rounds.

:dunce:

[TheBlueSub]

search no more i found them for you

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0946719497.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[XJ Dreamin']

I'm sure it's just your normal stalker stepping up his rounds.

:dunce:

Not far from the mark, possibily.

Long as you've got the camera running drop by the feed store and pick up an electric fence pulse generator. Wire it up to the basket and watch him jump. Then hit him with the rock salt.

Pretty serious business, though, having someone on your property. Have you contacted the police? They're not going to stake out your place, but having some documentation prior to confronting this guy would be an advantage when you go to charge him.

Good luck and be careful.

[PhunkXJ]

I did file a police report yesterday, it seems silly, but it infuriates me that someone is on my property at night.

whoever it is didn't come back last night.

I wish they would steal the 2 buckets of oil along my garage instead!

[IntrepidXJ]

I wish they would steal the 2 buckets of oil along my garage instead!

put them in a flower pot!

[XJ Dreamin']

I did file a police report yesterday, it seems silly, but it infuriates me that someone is on my property at night.

whoever it is didn't come back last night.

I wish they would steal the 2 buckets of oil along my garage instead!

It's not about the flower pots. It's about the tresspass. Put up some 'No Tresspass' signs just to be sure all the bases are covered when you bring charges.

[woody]

It's not about the flower pots. It's about the tresspass. Put up some 'No Tresspass' signs just to be sure all the bases are covered when you blast them to smithereens.

Fixed it 4 ya

[PhunkXJ]

Long as you've got the camera running drop by the feed store and pick up an electric fence pulse generator. Wire it up to the basket and watch him jump. Then hit him with the rock salt.



I have no idea where a feed store is around here, what other options do I have to zap this mo-fo?

[XJ Dreamin']

It's not about the flower pots. It's about the tresspass. Put up some 'No Tresspass' signs just to be sure all the bases are covered when you blast them to smithereens.


Fixed it 4 ya

If she was in Texas I wouldn't worry about the signs, but I don't know what the justifiable force standards are around Chicago. Might depend on where around Chicago.

[XJ Dreamin']

I have no idea where a feed store is around here, what other options do I have to zap this mo-fo?

Even in Texas lethal booby traps are frowned upon. An electric fence zapper is fun without the threat of facing a felony manslaughter. I'm sure you could order one on-line. A horse fence (http://www.sureguard.com.au/horse_electric_fence.mv) ought to do the trick. Only $99.

[karstic]

Get yourself a game cam

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0035726417249a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=game+cam&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=game+cam&noImage=0

[PhunkXJ]

I don't want to kill anyone, just scare the shit out of them and let them know not to take stuff from me.

[OT]

Just get Gil to come over and sit in the shadows.
When they show back up and he jumps out, I bet they won't even walk down your street anymore.

[Rev Den]

A couple of things...the police was a good step.

Look for "Game cameras" as mentioned above, Bass Pro (there is one at Gurney Mills) or other hunting type store will have them.

You may also want to invest in motion sensing flood lights, bright lights can really 'alert" someone.

Sounds like kids...piss any of the local urnchins off recently?

Rev

[PhunkXJ]

I haven't done enything to piss anyone off that I know of.

we do have a motion light that lights up the almost the entire yard between the dettached garage and house. I also made sure all 4 exterior garage lights were on and my back porch light. The backyard was lit like x-mas last night.

I'm going to look into the game camera, what I have now is only good for 90 mins. then I have to rewind the tape and I can't get the greatest angle.

do the game cameras flash? I'm afraid whoever it is would obviously see that and try to steal the camera to protect themselves also.

[Rev Den]

Infrared.

Rev

[red91]

just hook a hand grenade to it so when the take it the slip the pin....boom!

[Lincoln]

I know who took them. :shhh:

[seanR]

Had a problem with kids in our hot tub at night this winter.

My first thought was to put a motion detector out side, but put the light inside, when the little bastards came into the porch, they would turn a light on in the bed room, go out the front door and around back, BINGO, I would have them.
-The problem, You need to get there right away, I am sure they run as soon as they grab the plant.

My second thought was the game camera Rev was talking about, they have "night vision" and only take a picture when something or one triggers the motion detector.
-The problem, you have a picture, OK, what are you going to do with it, put it in the post office.
I am sure the Cook County LEOs have bigger fish to fry than plant nappers.

Try one of those ides.

OR, fill the pots with rotten meat, add 10 points for maggots, I bet they wont steal one again!

Gross, but it would work!

[Lawn Cher']

Get a dog, let it sleep outside at night.

[Rev Den]

I GOT IT!

Leave your window treatments open.

Walk around in only your undies...or less.

Catch them when they look thru the window!

PERFECT!

:D

Rev

[woody]

Get a dog, let it sleep outside at night.

http://www.bigpawsonly.com/dog-images/neopolitan-mastiff-picture.jpg

[Dirt]

http://www.bigpawsonly.com/dog-images/neopolitan-mastiff-picture.jpg





Scare them with slobber? :dunno:

[woody]

I don't want to kill anyone, just scare the shit out of them and let them know not to take stuff from me.

Make plastic explosive gophers ala Caddyshack, and wire them to detonate (behind them) when the mulligan swipes your flowers... they won't come back

[woody]

Scare them with slobber? :dunno:

Does that look like a droolin dawg? :D

http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/neapolitan-mastiff.jpg

Underneath those meatflaps, be some teefs.

OTOH when ya consider the feed bill, replacing the plants weekly would be cheaper.

[HaleYes]

I GOT IT!

Leave your window treatments open.

Walk around in only your undies...or less.

Catch them when they look thru the window!

PERFECT!

:D

Rev

I think I have a new carrier as a flower bandit.
Off to Chicago.....

:D

[bjoehandley]

I think I have a new carrier as a flower bandit.
Off to Chicago.....

:D

Can't wait to hear the local Fox affiliate try to call this one an act of terrorism............

[PhunkXJ]

I was gonna booby trap the flower baskets, but I just drank way too many beers and it's hot outside so I think Rev's idea is a good one. :)

[HaleYes]

I was gonna booby trap the flower baskets, but I just drank way too many beers and it's hot outside so I think Rev's idea is a good one. :)

:shocked:
I'm on my way.........

[Gil BullyKatz]

Neopolitan Mastiff's make for poor protection and sloppy homes...

Now a Cane Corso, Fila Brasileiro or a Presa Canario...

Maybe...

I say boobytrap the fawkers...

got mousetraps?

hell... rig the dirty oil to pour on their heads

[PhunkXJ]

I should have known the flower bandit would call me!

:confused1

[Lincoln]

He He. You said booby.

[woody]

He He. You said booby.

Yes he did... we tried to keep it civil, but...

This thread is now worthless without boobies

I'd still recmomend a way to blast their theiving ego into shock & awe... but iI am spoiled in geography... Parts is Parts

[Lincoln]

Yes he did... we tried to keep it civil, but...

This thread is now worthless without boobies

I'd still recmomend a way to blast their theiving ego into shock & awe... but iI am spoiled in geography... Parts is Parts

All I have to say is 110V. It also picks up people that pee on plants. Make sure it's not hooked up to a GFI, they have a tendency to ruin good fun.

[woody]

I didn't know that any city had an ordinance o wherre one cant garrote a mother##er and leave him-or-her in the neighbors yard... with a note tucked in their mouth... "Theif Caught"

Edit... I do not like thieves one bit...

[XJ Dreamin']

I should have known the flower bandit would call me!

:confused1

Did he bring you flowers?

If you have an ID all you need next is a secluded spot for a shallow grave.

[Lincoln]

I've got it.

Tie the thief up then cut their cloths off. Hook the 110 to their balls. Stand them in front of a light switch and show them your brewbers.

Now that would be funny.

edit: Don't forget to post pictures on the internet.

[woody]

Therapy = Rogers Rangers Rules, and read it lots. Espefcially the parts about Hatcheting. Porch Plant Stealing is worth a good hatcheting IMO.

60 balls & Powder, musket clean, hatchet scoured & be ready to march at a moments notice...

[Lincoln]

Woody, I just peed myself a little.

[RedHeep]

Neopolitan Mastiff's make for poor protection and sloppy homes...

Now a Cane Corso, Fila Brasileiro or a Presa Canario...

Maybe...

I say boobytrap the fawkers...

got mousetraps?

hell... rig the dirty oil to pour on their heads

Mastiff's were bred to protect people, not property. If you break into someone's house and there's a mastiff there, he/she will lay back down and watch you steal stuff. If the owners are home, you'll have 180 pounds of pissed off dog attacking you.

[Lawn Cher']

How about a genuine Nazi looking GSD. Put him/her on a hidden fence system and you should be good to go.

[Ralph]

Buy more plants, secure the the planters with bolts and chain. Go on with your life. Life is too short to get your panties in a wad over something so trivial.

[XJ Dreamin']

Buy more plants, secure the the planters with bolts and chain. Go on with your life. Life is too short to get your panties in a wad over something so trivial.

The plants are trivial - The trespass is not.

My dad got in a test of wills with kids who were stealing his mailbox. He finally welded up a mailbox out of 5" water main and 1/4" steal. He planted it 4' in the ground with fins at the bottom to anchor it. I came home from college one day to find a big hole in the ground. The box made a nice trophy for some kid's bedroom. My folks lived out in farm country and the mailbox was 1/4 mile from the house. After he lost his uber-mailbox he put a regular one next to the neighbors' box. Their house was next to the road and nobody ever bothered with them.

Point is: Increasing the challenge of taking the baskets could lead to an escalation on the thief's part. You need to ID him or scare the crap out of him - preferably both.

[XJ Dreamin']

I should have known the flower bandit would call me!

:confused1

So what's with this? Did you make a date? Dinner, movie, basket heisting around the neighborhood. Are there wedding plans in future? What?

[PhunkXJ]

no, I thought it was someone from naxja calling to fawk with me, but it ended up being my brother. the number was blocked and he left a creepy sounding voicemail about my flowers.

I don't care about the stolen flowers, well I do but not enough to chain them down, it's about the fact that someone is coming on to my property. I'd replace them but all the good hybrid flowers like I had are sold out, my mom was out looking for me today and said it's pretty picked over, stuff I wouldn't waste money on.

[Ralph]

The plants are trivial - The trespass is not.

My dad got in a test of wills with kids who were stealing his mailbox. He finally welded up a mailbox out of 5" water main and 1/4" steal. He planted it 4' in the ground with fins at the bottom to anchor it. I came home from college one day to find a big hole in the ground. The box made a nice trophy for some kid's bedroom. My folks lived out in farm country and the mailbox was 1/4 mile from the house. After he lost his uber-mailbox he put a regular one next to the neighbors' box. Their house was next to the road and nobody ever bothered with them.

Point is: Increasing the challenge of taking the baskets could lead to an escalation on the thief's part. You need to ID him or scare the crap out of him - preferably both.
The dude lives in a big city where people steal. In that situation, you have two choices: you can try and secure your plants so someone can't easily take them or bring your plants in at night. Killing or maiming someone is not a realistic option. Catching someone in the act would be nice, but is not likely to happen. Most likely whoever stole the plants is not part of the Chicago crime syndicate. The plants are not going to a chop shop where the clippings are being sold on the black market. After the perp has all the plants they want, they'll leave him and his porch alone. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there is a huge marked for hot crysanthenums. Maybe we should all be on the lookout for plant theives. Hey, maybe we could open a new market for security devices for potted plants. I see a new slogan for security services: "Peace of mind for your family's safety and your plants too." Maybe President Bush should appoint a new cabinet member for homeland plant security.


:D

[Lawn Cher']

The dude lives in a big city where people steal. In that situation, you have two choices: you can try and secure your plants so someone can't easily take them or bring your plants in at night. Killing or maiming someone is not a realistic option. Catching someone in the act would be nice, but is not likely to happen. Most likely whoever stole the plants is not part of the Chicago crime syndicate. The plants are not going to a chop shop where the clippings are being sold on the black market. After the perp has all the plants they want, they'll leave him and his porch alone. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there is a huge marked for hot crysanthenums. Maybe we should all be on the lookout for plant theives. Hey, maybe we could open a new market for security devices for potted plants. I see a new slogan for security services: "Peace of mind for your family's safety and your plants too." Maybe President Bush should appoint a new cabinet member for homeland plant security.


:D

You don't get it Ralph. This isn't just some dude they're fawking with, this is Paula, a highly revered member of the pie wielding MWC better half.

[Ralph]

You don't get it Ralph. This isn't just some dude they're fawking with, this is Paula, a highly revered member of the pie wielding MWC better half.
IMG! I didn't realize how serious this issue was. Paula, IMG, Paula. I'm going to secure my outdoor plants right now.

[PhunkXJ]

actually I don't live in the city. we've been here for over 5 years and this is the first time we've ever had a problem with theft.

Like I said earlier, it's not about the flowers I have a huge problem with some creep being on my property at night time, especially since I'm a woman and home alone often.

and you don't have to be living in a big city to have things stolen, thieves are everywhere, even the burbs.

[Ralph]

May I suggest a very large fence.