Pros and Cons for a “silent alarm”???

Pro - The thief/vandal doesn’t know that the owner has already been notified (by the transmitted signal to their keychain”) and think that they’re in the clear to continue their mischief. Meanwhile, the owner is given the element of surprise to sneak up on them with a Louisville Slugger (or any other property-protecting device). Voila, the responsible party is apprehended to be held responsible for the damage they caused.

Con - You’re not close enough to receive the “alarm”, then they are allowed to proceed with whatever they are doing.

 

???

 

I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts about the advantage/disadvantage of having a “silent alarm”. The alarm would still alert you through your keychain, but the siren on the vehicle won’t sound.



Scenario 1 – Somebody walks up and puts a brick through your window. The “normal” alarm starts blaring, and your 2-way remote alerts you that it’s your alarm going off. By the time you make it outside, they’re already gone. You’re left with a broken window that you’re going to have to pay for yourself.

Scenario 2 – Somebody walks up and puts a brick through your window. They don’t hear any alarm go off, so they think “alright, it’s go time!” While they’re inside your vehicle trying to hot-wire it, or looking for valuables, you’re given enough time to get out there. It gives you a chance to beat down that P.O.S., send them to jail, and then hand them the bill for repairs.

 

If it activates lo-jack or anything like that its a good idea, but the downside is a lot of damage can be done before he gets caught... now that might happen one way or another, but an alarm going off might scare them off more than anything.

 

I wouldn't buy it for the reason of catching the person in the act. If I'm by myself, I wouldn't go running out there unless I'm prepared to shoot people. I'm sure the thieves around here are prepared for a confrontation and I wouldn't be surprised if there are more than one, maybe as a look out or getaway driver. We have conceal permits here, so I must assume everyone has a gun. Also if you try to kick their butt, remember now they know where you live. I don't want all the AIDS infested tweeker thieves in town targeting my house.

Just be warned be prepared, you might find yourself in a bad situation. Oh, and also sneaking up on a thief and bashing their brains in will get you thrown in jail or sued. I don't know if Oregon has a law against it, but I know using force to protect your property in most states is illegal. You can only use force if they threaten you with bodily harm FIRST.

 

ding ding ding ding! We have a winner.

Vigilante justice is great to fantasize about, but the reality of the situation is that vigilantes go to jail and get sued.

Also, you have to consider the possibility that the person jacking your ride is a career criminal 3 times your size and ready to rip you a new one.

I had a customer with one of those things and I asked him about it and he told me what it was. This guy was maybe 120 lb soaking wet. My thought was, "and what exactly is your skinny butt gonna do to some iron pumping coke fiend with an extreme attitude problem?"