WOULD YOU SHOOT???????????

[HankB]

A night time invasion and tresspass on my land for the purpose of stealing my property?

My actions would comply with Texas law.

[atxgun]

While there may be an instinctive "shoot the [child born out of wedlock]" response from many I guess the question comes down to whether or not you'd be willing to go up against the grand jury and fight a defense if you weren't no-billed. That in of itself could financially cost the amount of your lost equipment if not more. Also don't forget the time involved w/ the whole mess.

As for the moral question, from what I have read of the scenario I personally think you would have been justified to protect your property. It's not like they were just stealing a stereo or something.

[Weekly Reader]

Heck yes.

We have been burgularized enough times to loose our insurance. I've experienced the criminal court system several times with criminals. I will shoot without hesitation.

[hoss4570]

Hoss4570,

Even though we disagree on whether or not to shoot, I am sorry for your loss. I don't want to get too caught up in the discussion as a 'hypothetical what if' scenario to forget that there were scum who did you wrong and cost you significant financial loss. Not just the loss of the tools and that replacement cost, but the loss of use of the tools to earn a living in the mean time.

I do hope the equipment is found soon and those responsible for it's theft apprehended. All my disagreement is my opinion of what is right for me, we don't have to agree on that to agree that there is evil in the world and hope they are appropriately punished.

Best Regards,

Gary

Your right, and thank you.

[lawrnk]

I would never shoot over property unless my life or that of a loved one is in danger. If they are driving off with my trailor, it's theirs.

That's why I pay my insurance company a gazillion dollers a year.....

The emotional duress, probable loss of sleep (for more than 1 night), possible legal costs, etc., just aren't worth it to me for property alone.

If you are a threat of serious harm or worse to me or my family, it's a different story.

I'm gonna take a guess that you don't work with tools or with your hands. I mean for a job, not some hobbiest, but work and build stuff for a living. And even if you do you must be richer than me because this welder and those tools ment years of hard, hot, back breaking labor to me and if I had of caught them I would have killed them. They had NO RIGHT to be on my property, they had NO RIGHT stealing my stuff. Wish I could have your pollyanna attitude (no I don't) , but I live in the real world.

I don't think he ever mentioned his tools were insured? If not, this could be devastating to his business/livelihood and family security...etc.

[hoss4570]

My home owners will not cover the loss. Second hand replacement cost is around 10-12 thousand dollars. Thats buying used welder and tools, used trailer.

[LarryH]

My step-son, who is an aircraft mechanic, had about $10,000 worth of tools stolen out of the trunk of his car last year. (Long story, almost none of which would be "on-topic") Not insured, so total loss.

[hoss4570]

I know the feeling. I replaced the trailer and welding machine today and got a bargin. $5,000.00 for a used Lincoln 200 amp and used trailer. Life goes on.

[atxgun]

My step-son, who is an aircraft mechanic, had about $10,000 worth of tools stolen out of the trunk of his car last year. (Long story, almost none of which would be "on-topic") Not insured, so total loss.

seems pretty on topic to me. sorry for the drama though, my apt got robbed while away for xmas a few years ago so i know the pain. I didn't have renter insurance back then, but now I do.

[LarryH]

The circumstances under which his car was burglarized is the part that was not on topic.

Many of the things that happen to him would be "Never Again" fodder.

[WarHawk-AVG]

A night time invasion and tresspass on my land for the purpose of stealing my property?

My actions would comply with Texas law.

HAH...textbook awnser

[THE ENGINEER]

I have had a motorcycle as well as many other items stolen that were never recovered, nor was I paid the true value of the items by the insurance company. That alone leads me to believe that there are no other means to recover my property. I have no respect for thiefs. That being said, I would do my absolute best to prevent the thief from escaping without shooting him/her.

[hoss4570]

Everybody reacts in a different way and now especially knowing how bad it hurt to get hit by these theiving thugs I know I will not hesitate to shoot in the future. Bottom line, leave my stuff alone. I don't go on anybody elses property to steal, and I want the same treatment extended to me.

[lawrnk]

Any luck on the police finding your trailer? I mean, that is a big thing and perhaps they found something?

[hoss4570]

No sir, no luck in finding the welder or trailer. It has been replaced but I would still like to have the other one back, but it's not going to happen.