Rules of theft?

[Hank70SS]

We all learned reading Tony's post about his shop being broken into and his stuff stolen that there are rules regarding theft.

Rule #1: If your shit ain't locked in a safe it's your own damn fault. Can't blame the thieves.

Pretty straight forward and easy to understand, you would think. But I think there is probably a rule #2. What if I put my guns and Lynda's jewelry in a safe and the thieves just cart the whole safe away? I can't afford a safe big enough for my TV's, surround sound, blueray, computers, etc. So if they take that stuff it's on me, can't blame the thieves. I understand that, refer to rule #1. But what about the the safe and the stuff in it? Is it my fault for not buying a 2 ton safe and bolting it to the concrete floor in the basement. Or can I blame the thieves because my stuff was in a safe? I'm sure someone knows how rule #2 works so let us know so we can add rule #2 to the list.

Rule #2 ?

I'm thinking there is probably a rule #3 as well. What if we're home and someone breaks in and demands all our valuable's? Am I allowed to shoot them, after unlocking the safe and retrieving a gun, of course I'm following rule #1. Or is it my fault for being home at the time and I have to unlock the safe and give them my stuff? In which case it would default back to rules #1 and 2. Let us know how it works so we can add it to the list.

Rule #3 ?

Like the law, ignorance of the rules is no excuse. I don't want to end up like Tony. Being all pissed off at the thieves when I should be kicking myself in the ass for not even following rule #1. Shame on you Tony.

[chevymaher]

It is a joke. But there is a way. Just got to research the laws where you live.

My buddy and I got a system. We watch each others houses when the other isn't home. Between me him and the women involved we got the watching covered. Girls next door and the woman who's houses back yard connects to mine. We all got each others phone numbers for just such emergencies.

Not saying how they become incapacitated. But here just kick a door in and drag the body inside. It all legal like then. They go to the hospital, jail, morgue whatever. Word gets out. They go somewhere else to pillage and burn. Thieves are cowards and lazy. Once they know you can defend yours, they will move on to easier prey.

Reality is a bitter pill. But you got to do what you got to do.

He is doing the right thing. Word will get out he ain't the one to screw with, and he will be left alone in the future.

[FlintTony]

Well Hank, beings as I have some experience in this subject, allow me to interject.

If you are a known, convicted thief, and you go to jail, you can tell the authorities who was with you when you committed the crime. However, by doing so, it absolves you from any charges related to said crime. You will not be held responsible for your part in said crime.

Your partners in said crime will not be charged either, as the information that you gave authorities is not to be used to investigate said crime, as you are now a "confidential informant". A "CI"s identity is never to be disclosed, as this would endanger not only him, but his family and friends. If your partners in the crime should have a change of heart and admit to the crime, then perhaps the information gathered from said "CI" may be considered. Said partners must be found to be in possession of stolen goods, although the goods could have been purchased at a "garage sale" or have been purchased from "Craigslist" for a small amount. That will suffice to the Police as "not having been stolen from you".

Said partners in crime may also have been arrested and charged numerous times for like crimes, only to have the Prosecuting Attorney of your County reduce the charges to a simple "trespassing" charge. This will allow said PA to claim a 99% conviction rate at the next election, which sure makes it seem like he is "hard on crime and criminals".

Also, as a citizen, you will not be allowed to make any effort to apprehend, question, or coerce any information from said "suspects", as this is not your job and is best left to the "professionals" that are here to serve and protect.

[Hank70SS]

Well yes, it was meant as a joke. Sometimes life sucks and all you can do is laugh about it or you'll go crazy.

Michigan is a 'stand your ground' state. Which means your are not required to retreat from a threat, as long as you have a legal right to be where ever you are. You can pull the trigger if and it's an important if, you have a reasonable belief that you're in danger of death or bodily harm.