It's been a while

[cjunrau]

I understand the sentiment but shooting someone over a simple misdemeanor theft will land you in prison until you are a very old man. That's why you have insurance - let it go.

I don't know all the ins and outs about the American or Canadian for that matter laws on guns. But as many criminals who have committed offences using firearms and are still not in jail, I find it interesting that when a law abiding citizen uses a gun to defend his property he is automatically in jail for life. At least that is what those on this forum say.
My neighbor shot a native with a shotgun about 15-20 years ago when he stole gas from his tank. He had in that year lost 2-3 300gallon tanks of gas. He knew who was doing it and it was a free for all. they did come armed with 22's. Cops did nothing until he shot the guy. He had a lock on it and they would bust it and fill 2 or 3 vehicles every time. He was a farmer and was not going to stop having gas on his yard. could he have made it burglar proof. Yes with some electrical and expenses I am sure he could of.
He got 3-4 years in jail but was out in a couple. He did not kill the guy and had no intentions of killing him.
Last summer a group of them were stealing from farms and were caught on many cameras and all were armed and they used the rifles as well and injured one or 2 people. I think they may have killed one man and his wife. In all those instances I do believe that the farmer should have every right to shoot back. I am not sayin kill someone but cut them off at the knees. Not like that would help as then taxes have to pay for his food and housing. we need to bring back hard labor jails. Insurance does not pay you enough to just say let them steal it. My dad can testify to that. He had a 2 year old side by side stollen and got close to $5000 less than he should have. Same machine with more hours was selling that much higher on all sales and dealer lots. Cops told him we won't even go look for it, just call your insurance. They knew exactly where it was but there is so much on the reserves that is stollen they don't bother even looking for it. When people have the idea that insurance can pay for it makes me sick. that is like saying if you want something that is not yours, just take it, I have insurance.

I don't have insurance and if my dog bites and tears a crook apart I will not feel bad at all. Would I arm myself and shoot at someone, No, But would I give him a whipping if I could, You bet.
I think if we had less opportunity to go on welfare people may actually work instead of steal.

 

[cjunrau]

I am already old. If I catch anyone stealing anything from me, they are dead, period. I hate a thief.

I hate a thief as well and can understand your sentiment.
If the law would do something about the thieving I think it would change. chop a few fingers off with a old fashion chopping block. Maybe they would get the message. I don't know. Just seems that it just gets worse and I know here it is the same people in and out of jail on a monthly basis. Even a convicted thief, stole cars and ran from cops. 4 times in one year. the last time he killed a pregnant Women when he ran from them. got 5 years jail, but we know he won't be in that long.

 

[300jk]

It's been a long time since I have been robbed. About 20 or so years ago someone took one of the batteries out of my JD 5020, when it was parked close to a road , I was disking. I wanted to use my pressure washer. It was missing, it was outside in my shop area where i keep my tractors. I live about a block away. My daughter lives on the property, and has carpenters installing a prefab small house for her daughter, and husband. Can't say someone on that job may have loaded it up, but you never know. Now I can't find my blower. Last time I used it, was to blow off the side walks on our Babtist Church. last Sunday. Some times I leave in my pickup. I haven't seen it since. Any one have something missing lately? stan

I have read all the replies so far. In my mind there is nothing worse than a thief. Once a thief always a thief. If someone less fortunate needed something and asked I’d give them what they needed within reason, but don’t steal from me. Would I shoot a thief probably not. Would give them a real good scare though and if their vehicle was present it would leave with holes in it such as radiator ect so it could be tracked by law enforcement. Never have much of these problems around here as most people can take care of ourselves. Look out for each other I will say this though. If any person decided to harm me or my family the actions taken would be much more different.

 

[wh]

Generally if out and about on farm alone i have more than a pocket knife in my pocket. Way too many coyotes and bob cats in area. At night same thing. In my recliner i can lay hands on a bang bang without getting up. Live in safe area but this day and time you never know. After tornadoes ripped thru in 11 a neighbor saw couple ner do wells in pasture loading some stuff up. Just happened that a deputy sheriff was driving by. He and deputy went up in pasture. Ner do wells said they thought it was trash from tornado. Neighbor called him by name and told him if he ever caught him on property again he would dig a deep hole and bury him. Guy looked at deputy and said did you hear that. Deputy said he did. Guy said what are you going to do. Deputy said i am leaving and if i were you i would not come back on this property. Does not sound safe!! I know it happened because deputy was who told me about it.

 

[TerryfromSWIowa]

A dead man can't contradict your side of the story.

 

[Rich'sToys]

I think if we had less opportunity to go on welfare people may actually work instead of steal.

And perhaps if more people went to church, they might learn that stealing is wrong!

 

[rrman61]

A few years ago my dads pirogue(basically a small Cajun canoe) turned up missing.about six months later I recognized it in the back of a pickup that was being pulled out of the mud near a public fishing hole.I walked up acting like I wanted to help but made my way around to the drivers door.I plucked the keys out of the ignition without anyone noticing while my uncle quietly got the cops.you should have seen their faces when I gave them their keys back after the cops showed up! Those 2 guys looked everywhere and the whole time the keys were in my pocket!

 

[GChief]

And perhaps if more people went to church, they might learn that stealing is wrong!

One needs to go to church for that

 

[grandpa Love]

Bunch of

One needs to go to church for that

Surprise......a person doesn't need church to be a decent person .

 

[GChief]

Bunch of

Surprise......a person doesn't need church to be a decent person .

That was my point. I know plenty of great people that have never attended a church service in their lives, and wait for it... they are not thieves

 

[Rich'sToys]

One needs to go to church for that

I never said that it was a requirement--but it sure couldn't hurt!

 

[wh]

I never said that it was a requirement--but it sure couldn't hurt!

Seems to be about the only place teaching it these days.

 

[Hobo,NC]

I posted last March about someone that stole my junk, a pile of brake rotors and battery cores. They took a plea deal a week ago I just got a check from the court house. I had them on a security camera a few days prier when they were scoping me out. For those that don't believe security cameras are worth it from that one clip they were able to identify him at a scrap yard selling my junk the same day he stole it.

 

[GChief]

I posted last March about someone that stole my junk, a pile of brake rotors and battery cores. They took a plea deal a week ago I just got a check from the court house. I had them on a security camera a few days prier when they were scoping me out. For those that don't believe security cameras are worth it from that one clip they were able to identify him at a scrap yard selling my junk the same day he stole it.

I have been looking at cameras. I need to get off my arse and pull the trigger on something.

 

[trackrat]

Years ago someone robbed me took tvs guns everything of value from my house, detective came to house I met him at the door with a 357 pistol he looked shocked I told him I was sorry, he said that I had a right to protect myself and my property, and asked me what I would do if I had caught the thief, didn't know, he said that if I felt threatened shoot him put a knife, screwdriver or some other weapon in his hand drag him into the house but make sure that he was dead, I told him that I didn't think I could do that

 

[Russ from MN]

I had the guide poles taken from my boat trailer. These are the two poles on either side of a float-on trailer that guide the boat when you load it on the trailer. We towed the boat and trailer from Florida to Michigan last spring, then back to Florida in October. I never noticed the missing poles until we took the boat out and went to load it back on the trailer. Since I didn't launch the boat in Michigan, they could have disappeared on the trip north or the trip back. Since we stopped for the night in Georgia and in Tennessee, I suspect some good ole boy felt he needed my poles more than I did.

The boat dealer had them in stock; 150 bucks later I was all set. The parts guy told me they sell a lot of guide poles.

I would figure out a way of mounting them more securely, maybe use some socket head metric bolts? Ours are just carpet covered treated planks, we don't worry about them being stolen.

 

[Wdj]

People don't steal due to adherence to some form of personal moral code or fear. If the fear is removed the result is what we see now. A risk- reward calculation. I agree with the statement that I don't own anything worth someone's life. If, however, the justice system cannot or will not deal effectively with property crime what is the answer? I doubt if the current attitude of " live with it" is going to be accepted forever.

 

[GChief]

Years ago someone robbed me took tvs guns everything of value from my house, detective came to house I met him at the door with a 357 pistol he looked shocked I told him I was sorry, he said that I had a right to protect myself and my property, and asked me what I would do if I had caught the thief, didn't know, he said that if I felt threatened shoot him put a knife, screwdriver or some other weapon in his hand drag him into the house but make sure that he was dead, I told him that I didn't think I could do that

And he gave you advice that any decent investigator would see right through. How is that any "help".

But hey, everyone go ahead and murder whomever they fell they need to over stuff.

Edit: and just for clarity, I am typically prepared to protect a life. Can't imagine taking a life over stuff. Well maybe when I was doing Nuke weapons security.

 

[grandpa Love]

That was my point. I know plenty of great people that have never attended a church service in their lives, and wait for it... they are not thieves

My reply was sarcastic . Ridiculous to think one must go to church to learn not to steal

 

[GChief]

My reply was sarcastic

I know, I us just reinforcing the ridiculousness of the it

Hell, look at all the stuff/land that has been stolen in the name of the church.