From SJ Chris - "I've heard this philosophy before (don't anger the criminals). I understand why someone would suggest this as yes there is a chance that someone *could* do something out of anger if you've protected your property. I 100% understand that logic.
But then I consider the flip side of that argument....Should I remove the catalytic converter ahead of time for the criminal and just leave it on the ground with a thank you note? This way they almost certainly will be happy with me and the chances of them slashing my tires or damaging anything else under my RV goes way down almost to 0%... With that logic, I should also leave me RV external compartments not only unlocked, but open slightly so thieves know they don't need to break my compartment locks or compartment doors....and I should leave my RV unlocked so they don't break a window or door to get in if they want. Should this thinking extend to my other cars and my home residence also? Should I leave my doors unlocked and windows open at my house so that I don't anger a thief who wants to steal from me or harm me? Should I remove the password to login to my laptop in case someone wants to steal it and then they get angry and damage it and decide they want to damage other things because they are upset? Is putting a password on my online banking accounts a bad idea? If someone tries to access my online banking accounts and cannot steal all my money, maybe they get really angry and decide to come and do me bodily harm??"
Well said! And to an extent, yes sometimes you need to do those things, unfortunately, to prevent theft, damage or worse damage.
Even though the detractors in this thread don't believe it, theft is rampant. Moreso than in the past. Over 25 years in road construction and have been dealing with theft since day 1...at a much higher rate than say residential or commercial property burglaries and auto theft.
But now, it's easily 2-3x worse.
All trucks and equipment left onsite overnight are left open/unlocked. Saves broken windows.
All batteries in equipment are removed Fri afternoon and stored under lock and key. Otherwise 90 chance they are gone or the equipment damaged by Mon morning.
Even porta potties cant be locked or they get sht smeared on them and tipped over. Easier to deal with the dirty needles left behind....
Generally about the same risk whether in good parts of town or sketchy parts.
One job, 2 daytime week day burglaries when someone was not present at the job office/yard for a short period of time.
And security guards don't seem to make much difference in the losses expereinced.
