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devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: pbarra1
Date: May 03, 2012 12:34PM
16 year old may be borrowing car at night. Want to lay a trap where once the trap goes off he knows he's caught. Don't want him to get on the road and get stopped by cops and jeopardize his license and my insurance rates. Any ideas?
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Black
Date: May 03, 2012 12:35PM
I may know someone who did the same thing around that age (actually younger) so I have a bit of insight.
My first thought is to fill the space where the car should be with other vehicles while he's gone.


MR/F Guestmap: [www.mapservices.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2012 12:36PM by Black.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: rgG
Date: May 03, 2012 12:38PM
How about one of those little portable motion sensor alarms that will go off when he opens the car door?




Alpharetta, GA (Atlanta suburb)
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: kj4btkljv
Date: May 03, 2012 12:41PM
This, waiting at the end of the driveway...



Jeff


Help us find a cure for cancer, fold proteins with TeamMacOSX!
[teammacosx.homeunix.com]
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Pam
Date: May 03, 2012 12:43PM
Quote
kj4btkljv
This, waiting at the end of the driveway...



Jeff

I'd like one of those outside my house!! grinning smiley
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: cbelt3
Date: May 03, 2012 12:45PM
Disable the car with a kill switch on the ignition coil, and set up one of those motion sensor thingies. Alarm goes off and there's no risk the car can move.

And *then* the Grounding For Life begins !!
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Black
Date: May 03, 2012 12:47PM
Quote
cbelt3
Disable the car with a kill switch on the ignition coil, and set up one of those motion sensor thingies. Alarm goes off and there's no risk the car can move.

And *then* the Grounding For Life begins !!

Only 6 posts until someone decided it was important to tell the OP how to raise his kid. Nice work!


MR/F Guestmap: [www.mapservices.org]
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: mrbigstuff
Date: May 03, 2012 12:52PM
after dinner:

"Gee, son, do you think you could go out and check the odometer reading on the car? Thanks."
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: mikebw
Date: May 03, 2012 12:53PM
Quote
pbarra1
Want to lay a trap where once the trap goes off he knows he's caught. ... Any ideas?

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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: billb
Date: May 03, 2012 12:55PM
there are numerous fuel cutoff methods including the possible one time temporary fuse removal rather than a switch which is only good until someone knows it exists.
Car might run like crap if you remove the ECM fuse and it loses any retained memories so be careful not to remove that one.
Leave the windshield wipers, radio, heater, everything possible on full blast ?
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: cbelt3
Date: May 03, 2012 12:56PM
Black--- oh no, I merely assumed there would be an elegant discussion after the 'arrest'. His boy, his discussion, his approach. No problemo. I *wish* my kids would drive. driving smiley
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: mattkime
Date: May 03, 2012 12:56PM
just leave the radio on full blast


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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: iaJim
Date: May 03, 2012 01:07PM
Quote
mattkime
just leave the radio on full blast

There you go!
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: onthedownlow
Date: May 03, 2012 01:09PM
Garmin Tracker (GTU 10) [buy.garmin.com]

[www.amazon.com]

These work great. I have them and use them for many things. Beautiful web interface and iOS/Android apps to go with it. Set up multiple/simultaneous alerts (e.g. text msg, email, etc.) when device leaves (or enters) your geofences that you setup.

I honestly would recommend ignoring any 'bad reviews' on this product, as they are likely old w/old firmware or the users just don't understand how the tech works. I can personally attest many times over the reliability and value of this product through many scenarios I've put them in.

Sometimes you can find this for well under $150. You can also use these for so many applications - you'll think of other things to use it for afterwards.

Keep in mind that there is an annual cost for the service (only $49!) w/no contract and anything like that, BUT the first year is included in the price. Much cheaper solution other trackers that charge $10-$50 a month! (and that is after you shell out the $50-$200+ for the device)

My two cents.






Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2012 01:14PM by onthedownlow.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Paul F.
Date: May 03, 2012 01:19PM
I'm working on an idea involving a bank dye-packet wired to the ignition.... but there are some problems getting dye off the inside of the car. If I work it out, I'll let you know grinning smiley


Paul F.
-----
A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca c. 5 BC - 65 AD
----
Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
--
Eureka, CA
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: ztirffritz
Date: May 03, 2012 01:23PM
Install the iOS app and leave it running in the car overnight. The next day you'll have proof that the car was moved, where it went, how fast, and how long it was gone.

[www.instamapper.com]


**************************************
Nothing to see here, move along.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: btfc
Date: May 03, 2012 01:26PM
Leave one of these on the dashboard:







[www.cabelas.com]
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: decay
Date: May 03, 2012 01:29PM
how about a raw egg tucked behind a tire or two?

edit: i see you said "he knows he's caught"

mercury / motion switch & air horn or alarm.

[auto.howstuffworks.com]




[www.giyf.com]



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2012 01:43PM by decay.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: OWC Jamie
Date: May 03, 2012 01:33PM
Say "Goodnight", go to bed, climb out window, get in back seat of car and lay down.


Good Luck!
Jamie Dresser
Other World Computing
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: p8712
Date: May 03, 2012 01:40PM
Covertly follow your son, and 'accidentally' run into him at his destination?
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: graylocks
Date: May 03, 2012 01:40PM
i like the garmin tracker idea especially if a text message can be sent to his cell phone when he violates the geofence. something like WTF!! GET OUT OF MY FREAKIN' CAR NOW!

otoh, if you want to just stop him period there's always The Club:



my parents had similar devices on their cars in NYC. they work very well.


"Success isn't about how much money you make. It is about the difference you make in people's lives."--Michelle Obama
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: clay
Date: May 03, 2012 01:43PM
go to sleep in the back seat of the car. Wake up and scare the @#$%@#!! out of him.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: N-OS X-tasy!
Date: May 03, 2012 01:45PM
Rattlesnakes under the front seat.


RIP, Greg the DogSitter. You are missed.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: N-OS X-tasy!
Date: May 03, 2012 01:47PM
Quote
cbelt3
Black--- oh no, I merely assumed there would be an elegant discussion after the 'arrest'. His boy, his discussion, his approach. No problemo. I *wish* my kids would drive. driving smiley

Disregard his post - he's just being pissy. Your comment was clearly made in jest.


RIP, Greg the DogSitter. You are missed.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: mrlynn
Date: May 03, 2012 01:55PM
You don't live in the house? You can't tell when your son goes out, starts the car, and drives off?

Mrbigstuff has the simplest solution to this strange problem:

Quote

after dinner:

"Gee, son, do you think you could go out and check the odometer reading on the car? Thanks."

Just tape a note to the steering wheel: "The current odometer reading is _______. If it's not the same in the morning, someone will be in deep doo-doo."

/Mr Lynn


"Hillbilly at Harvard"
Honky-tonk Country and Bluegrass
Founded in 1948 by Pappy Ben Minnich
Saturdays 9am - 1pm Eastern
WHRB-FM, Cambridge, MA
Streaming at [www.WHRB.org]
Be there!
New blog! [hillbillyatharvard.wordpress.com]

On the river in Saxonville.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: decay
Date: May 03, 2012 02:05PM
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: graylocks
Date: May 03, 2012 02:37PM
Quote
mrlynn

Just tape a note to the steering wheel: "The current odometer reading is _______. If it's not the same in the morning, someone will be in deep doo-doo."

/Mr Lynn

my version of this is to take a picture of the odometer before my son leaves with the car. pictures don't lie. if he puts more miles on the car than his tasks called for i have proof.


"Success isn't about how much money you make. It is about the difference you make in people's lives."--Michelle Obama
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: cbelt3
Date: May 03, 2012 02:43PM
"Who's the U-Boat Commander ? "


(Risky Business.. Porsche 928 in da lake..)
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Black
Date: May 03, 2012 02:47PM
Quote
decay
how about a raw egg tucked behind a tire or two?

edit: i see you said "he knows he's caught"

mercury / motion switch & air horn or alarm.

[auto.howstuffworks.com]
No, I think you were on the right track with the eggs . . but something larger that makes a lot of noise when you run it over.


MR/F Guestmap: [www.mapservices.org]
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: jdc
Date: May 03, 2012 03:04PM



----

The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs [www.fakesteve.net]


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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Bill in NC
Date: May 03, 2012 03:44PM
[www.amazon.com]

or

[www.amazon.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2012 03:45PM by Bill in NC.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Bo
Date: May 03, 2012 04:12PM
Monofilament strung to some of those champagne party poppers between the door and pillar so they blow when he opens the door or strung behind the car for when he pulls out.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: pbarra1
Date: May 03, 2012 04:48PM
mrlynn

no I am asleep and dont hear it - if its happening.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: mrlynn
Date: May 03, 2012 05:09PM
Quote
pbarra1
mrlynn

no I am asleep and dont hear it - if its happening.

Living with suspicion that your son is misbehaving must be tormenting. I don't know your situation, but it sounds like you need to sit down and talk with him. If necessary, involve a third party to help (your wife? a pastor?).

When our Number Two Son was about that age, he pretended to be spending the night with a friend, and instead snuck out to a party in another town. I overheard him bragging about it to the friend the next day. My wife and I confronted him, and made it clear that it was an unacceptable breach of trust between us. He was contrite and understood; he realized that trust was far more important than any exciting temptation could be. I think he was better for it; it helped him grow.

If your son is sneaking out with your car, he could be heading for deeper trouble (think booze or drugs). You need more than just gimmicks. You need to talk to him.

But just to be careful, hide the keys.

/Mr Lynn
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Racer X
Date: May 03, 2012 05:52PM
mrlynn, teenagers learning trust=freedom is the most important thing IMHO.

the oldest is now learning that. the younger one already knows. I taught him to observe his older brother's struggles and learn from them. It will be easier than finding out firsthand, the hard way. Its how I learned growing up too.

Anybody here have an older sibling who thought it would be fun to steal a public bus and drive the route, picking up passengers? I did. NEVER made the news, they squashed it very fast and very flat.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2012 05:54PM by Racer X.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: mrlynn
Date: May 03, 2012 06:55PM
Quote
Racer X
. . . Anybody here have an older sibling who thought it would be fun to steal a public bus and drive the route, picking up passengers? I did. NEVER made the news, they squashed it very fast and very flat.

You know, I think that would be fun! I never would have had the guts, though.

Lucky your brother didn't end up in jail.

/Mr Lynn
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Bo
Date: May 03, 2012 07:23PM
Quote
pbarra1
16 year old may be borrowing car at night. Want to lay a trap where once the trap goes off he knows he's caught. Don't want him to get on the road and get stopped by cops and jeopardize his license and my insurance rates. Any ideas?

At least he's not a 16/17 year old rappelling through the skylight of the local exotic car dealership to steal a (minor) celebrity's Lamborghini then going on an attempted murder bender of his teenage paramour and her date and possibly robbed a few banks...at least as far as you know.
[www.dailymail.co.uk]
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Ombligo
Date: May 03, 2012 07:41PM
tape metal plate to the thread of a tire running to a battery... have the other bare wire on the floor behind the tire. When the plate contacts the wire and completes the circuit - the flashing lights and horns go off that are connected to the circuit.

He'll be surprised I'm sure.

or make a recording of your voice saying some pointed message directed at him. Burn it to a CD and put it in the player ready to go 15 seconds after the engine starts..


You can tell a lot about a woman by her hands...
- For example, if they are wrapped around your throat she's probably slightly upset.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: olnacl
Date: May 03, 2012 09:21PM
My dad was standing in the garage when I rolled in with the "borrowed" car. End of that adventure series. That doesn't help answer your question though. Sorry.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Black
Date: May 04, 2012 12:29AM
Quote
Ombligo
tape metal plate to the thread of a tire running to a battery... have the other bare wire on the floor behind the tire. When the plate contacts the wire and completes the circuit - the flashing lights and horns go off that are connected to the circuit.

He'll be surprised I'm sure.

or make a recording of your voice saying some pointed message directed at him. Burn it to a CD and put it in the player ready to go 15 seconds after the engine starts..

I could be wrong, but my read is that pbarra would prefer the kid came to him to come clean of his own initiative.


MR/F Guestmap: [www.mapservices.org]
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Jack D.
Date: May 04, 2012 02:21AM
Quote
Black
Quote
decay
how about a raw egg tucked behind a tire or two?

edit: i see you said "he knows he's caught"

mercury / motion switch & air horn or alarm.

[auto.howstuffworks.com]
No, I think you were on the right track with the eggs . . but something larger that makes a lot of noise when you run it over.

Maybe a nasty little Chihuahua or two???




- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: Speedy
Date: May 04, 2012 04:22AM
I like this idea. You know he took it and you know where he went.

Quote
ztirffritz
Install the iOS app and leave it running in the car overnight. The next day you'll have proof that the car was moved, where it went, how fast, and how long it was gone.

[www.instamapper.com]


Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.
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Re: devious trap to catch son "borrowing" car
Posted by: freeradical
Date: May 04, 2012 08:43AM
Quote
mrbigstuff
after dinner:

"Gee, son, do you think you could go out and check the odometer reading on the car? Thanks."


Bingo...
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