WAMT....what annoyed me today!

The unfortunate fact is that if it can be moved, it can be nicked. All we can do is slow the ****ers down. When we're away, I stick Stoplocks on the cars with the stick making it difficult to enter the driver's seat. Doesn't make them unstealable but should be a reasonable deterrent to the casual thief.
 
In all seriousness, years ago, I used to run a couple of wires, from the distributor, to a kill switch "somewhere" inside the car.
Obviously, this only works on petrol cars., And this was in the days, it was even easier to steal a Ford.

I often found the car unlocked, but still on the drive.
 
I had a bright yellow fiesta once that I never locked but always used a lock that connected the gear lever to the handbrake.

Had no radio and nothing in it to steal but saved them smashing a window to get in!
 
woof woof said:
One of my neighbours has an almost identical car to one of mine and it was stolen the other night, he got it back the next day as it'd been dumped somewhere but all this prompted me to look at steering locks. I'd had a couple years ago and found them to be utterly useless as I could get them off in seconds without the need to use either a key or tools.

After asking on a car forum and reading reviews on line I went for a famous name steering lock which completely covers the steering wheel, priced at £140. It came today and after trying it on the car it's going straight back as it doesn't prevent the car from being steered, not by anyone with even half a brain and any ability to problem solve anyway. Removing it might be difficult but if a thief wants a car with one of these fitted they could certainly drive and steer the car to a location where they can spend time removing the device.

I just can't believe this thing got such good reviews and not just from one site, it gets good reviews all over the net.

Oh well, I'll look for something else.
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Your post reminded me of something I saw years ago and low and behold the piece is still on the internet.

You could always try one of these tried and tested methods.

www.cars.co.za

Top 5 Unique South African Car Security Innovations

Criminals beware! These 5 South African car security innovations will make you think twice about stealing a car. Many of us know the feeling when you walk outside to where you last parked your car and all you see is an empty space. Your heart sinks deep into your stomach, your throat goes all...
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za

Personally I like No2.
 
I managed to Google my way to a forum and one member posted a picture of the same device I have which had been modded by welding on additional pieces to prevent how I steered the car to be so easy, maybe not impossible but certainly not easy. I think a redesign should go further as the thing was only on my car steering wheel for seconds and it marked it.

What it needs is to be a wheel within a wheel design with the inner section having a rubberised inner which can remain stationary on the steering wheel while the outer section rotates around it. Also the protruding arm needs to be longer or adjustable to give it a better chance of touching something.

It is a half decent idea but the execution is pretty basic, it can damage the steering wheel and if the steering lock is inactive will allow the car to be steered.

On that other forum someone who steered the car the same way I did wrote to the manufacturer and they basically said "Yup" so they do know it's an issue, they just haven't bothered to address it.
 
woof woof said:
As some may know in my last job one of my things was health and safety and sadly unless the law has changed if someone enters your property and you've booby trapped it or even just left it in an unsafe condition and they injure themselves even if when committing a crime you're on the hook.

I'm getting a bit depressed reading reviews of these things. I might just not bother as they all seem to be "deterrent" value only and next to no real value at all when it comes to stopping or even slowing down someone who really does want to steal your car.

I think I might be better off printing a label and putting it in the windscreen...

"Dear potential car thief. This vehicle is on empty so there's no point stealing it as there's not enough juice in it to get you to the end of the road. Have a nice day."
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Has anyone ever been prosecuted or successfully sued for breaking into a house and having an accident?

Granted if there is a claymore at every entry point you are likely to be on sticky ground but there used to be stories of burglars breaking in and suing because they fell through a floorboard or tripped on a rug. Im betting that its never been successful and that "rule" applies to building sites and derelict buildings over the average home and its urban legend

If you do plan on a booby trap it seems you need to ensure that it gets them coming in rather than going out to avoid prosecution so no shooting them in the back........
 
AgentOrange76 said:
Has anyone ever been prosecuted or successfully sued for breaking into a house and having an accident?
Click to expand...
The law seems to be all over the place. To take just three examples...

Tony Martin, who killed a burglar that broke into his farmhouse in 2000, was released in 2003: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-49355814

In 2017, a man who shot a burglar in the foot was cleared by a jury after a mere half hour deliberation: https://news.sky.com/story/farmer-8...ng-convicted-burglar-on-his-property-10797224

In 2019, a burglar who was stabbed by his victim was ruled by a coroner to have been killed lawfully: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-48134851
 
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AgentOrange76 said:
Has anyone ever been prosecuted or successfully sued for breaking into a house and having an accident?

Granted if there is a claymore at every entry point you are likely to be on sticky ground but there used to be stories of burglars breaking in and suing because they fell through a floorboard or tripped on a rug. Im betting that its never been successful and that "rule" applies to building sites and derelict buildings over the average home and its urban legend

If you do plan on a booby trap it seems you need to ensure that it gets them coming in rather than going out to avoid prosecution so no shooting them in the back........
Click to expand...

As above. AFAIK it hangs or used to hang on what could happen if someone lawfully entered the building, like an emergency service worker, and then was or could be injured through boobytrap or unsafe conditions. You could be the test case for homes. Try it and if you get burgled and there's a serious injury or death we can have a sweepstake on how long your prison term will be or if you'll walk free.

Anyway. My issue here is car security.
 
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I've been waiting for the rain to stop so I could put a couple of amateur radio antennas up. One had the wrong connector on it, but that's OK I thought, I've got plenty, I'll solder a new one on.

Yeah, it's the right connector but for a different size cable...... :mad::facepalm:
 
Went for coffee in a local cafe with a friend earlier.
Was paying by debit card., girl serving pointed to the machine in front of me and said to press the green button,
it cme up on the screen as "amount" I said to the girl should that already be there ? Apparetly not as it is the amount of tip you want added !!!!!!!
Scrapped that idea and gave her cash, meant she had to get the sale voided and start again with no tip
 
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AndrewFlannigan said:
The law seems to be all over the place. To take just three examples...

Tony Martin, who killed a burglar that broke into his farmhouse in 2000, was released in 2003: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-49355814

In 2017, a man who shot a burglar in the foot was cleared by a jury after a mere half hour deliberation: https://news.sky.com/story/farmer-8...ng-convicted-burglar-on-his-property-10797224

In 2019, a burglar who was stabbed by his victim was ruled by a coroner to have been killed lawfully: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-48134851
Click to expand...
Tony Martin shot the guy in the back so couldnt claim he was in fear of his life or defending his property hence my comment around on the way in not out.

The 2019 case seems to support this in that the homeowner - im sure being 79 helped - successfully claimed in fear of his life and was defending himself - not to sure about the intruder falling on the knife...

2017 case also seems to be " in fear of life" and shot low, id not like to have tested that theory had it been at window height or had he put the second shot through the rear window.

So in essence there does seem to be some consistency.
 
Gremlin said:
Srapped that idea and gave her cash, meant she had to get the sale voided and start again with no tip
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I'd have done the same, that's akin to begging.
 
Cobra said:
I'd have done the same, that's akin to begging.
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I never add the tip to a card payment, always gve cash to whoever takes the pament and only if I'm happy with the service.
To add insult, it took ages for the coffees too arrive, when I asked what had happened, I heard it said the order wasn't on the board, excuse given was they had run out cups foor the expresso my friend wanted.
Won't be goi ng thhere again
 
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Just back from an early walk..

Bumping into a couple of guys with Lurchers, the big one said "morning", I replied "Morning mate", he then checked my gear out, the younger one acted sheepish as if he was up to something, I left after picking myself up and moving to the hedge to avoid being surronded.
When I got a bit of distance, I looked back to find they had left the public bridleway and headed of into the land I was aiming at :(

A motorcross bike has been round which cound be linked to scouting the area.

I can't report it as I've no proof and the bike is long gone.

I might be putting 2 & 2 together and making 100, but it could explain 'my' loss of Hares.

Just a bit shocked/shaken and needed a vent... sorry

Edit.. just to add, I was taking a photo of a muntie just before this, I spooked the muntie on purpose I just hope he got away first.
 
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Gav-canon said:
Just back from an early walk..

Bumping into a couple of guys with Lurchers, the big one said "morning", I replied "Morning mate", he then checked my gear out, the younger one acted sheepish as if he was up to something, I left after picking myself up and moving to the hedge to avoid being surronded.
When I got a bit of distance, I looked back to find they had left the public bridleway and headed of into the land I was aiming at :(

A motorcross bike has been round which cound be linked to scouting the area.

I can't report it as I've no proof and the bike is long gone.

I might be putting 2 & 2 together and making 100, but it could explain 'my' loss of Hares.

Just a bit shocked/shaken and needed a vent... sorry

Edit.. just to add, I was taking a photo of a muntie just before this, I spooked the muntie on purpose I just hope he got away first.
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Hope you're ok Bud.
 
Going back a few years ago now but our Countryside Police Service would drive by or stop and park up which might be enough to put them off. Glad you're ok.
 
swiftowl51 said:
Going back a few years ago now but our Countryside Police Service would drive by or stop and park up which might be enough to put them off. Glad you're ok.
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Cheers, we've got signs everywhere, they say to ring 999, but I wasn't 100%, so didn't call it in.
 
WAMT?
Loyalty cards

1) Iceland / food warehouse.
For the last year or so, they offered a 10% discount on a Tuesday for the over 60's.
It now seems that you have to have a loyalty card, to benefit.

Not a big deal in itself, until you realise that its not a loyalty card at all but a savings card that they
encourage you to put money on , each time you shop, so you can save for Xmas ( yeah I know so ban me :D )

No doubt I'll get a card next time I visit, but they can shove the "loyalty payment"
right next to the frozen peas.

2) Tesco
It now seems that you can get extra club card points by downloading the shopping app.
I'm not quite sure why they are pushing this, as they can track my shopping habits through my club card,
unless its a move to put them all on line in the future, rather than send the coupons through the post.
As someone that doesn't use apps, if they do go this way, looks like I'll be shopping elsewhere in the near future.
 
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There are 2 that I remember - the Sainsbury's/Nectar and a local coffee shop. We generally save the Nectar points up for a treat but the coffee is a buy 10, get one free and we visit it a couple of times a month.


WAMT was waking up at 03:00, needing the necessary. Could have been worse - might not have woken up...
 
WAMT was firstly, remembering that our closest Sainsbury's fuel station doesn't have any super unleaded (tank problem, apparently) and secondly, brushing an exhaust pipe with the back of my hand while putting the chain back on the bike.
 
That nasty rash you get on your forearms after cutting conifers, despite being covered. :eek:
 
Why do drivers insist on sitting up my backside, then get all upset when they nearly hit me when I slow down?? Two individuals today bloody morons.
 
Jelster said:
Why do drivers insist on sitting up my backside, then get all upset when they nearly hit me when I slow down?? Two individuals today bloody morons.
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yes that’s my pet hate too aggressive idiots tailgating in 30s and 40s especially it’s illegal to tailgate but it’s not enforced
 
LCPete said:
yes that’s my pet hate too aggressive idiots tailgating in 30s and 40s especially it’s illegal to tailgate but it’s not enforced
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I was going to open the rear doors and ask the guy driving the Civic if he wanted to get in.....

My Dad did this about 50 years ago, driving me home from a rugby match, he stopped his Austin Cambridge on a hill, got out and asked the guy behind if he wanted to get in.... Made me laugh at the time and I've always wanted to repeat his act of making a point.... :LOL:
 
The tailgating thing is problematic. If you're driving at 28-30 in a 30 limit and they do it then it's them. If you drive at 20-25 then unless there are special circumstances it's you driving without consideration for others.
 
ancient_mariner said:
If you drive at 20-25 then unless there are special circumstances it's you driving without consideration for others.
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How can someone in the car behind know that there aren't special circustances? :thinking:
 
I've been using the same shortcut for ages to bring up Finder on my Mac. Today it brings up the search in Finder without the Sidebar in view (and 'show sidebar' is greyed out in the menu). Google and several sites tell me that my shortcut is for the Search in Finder, not bringing up Finder per se.
How annoying, more clicks needed to get where I want, but why is it different from yesterday when it showed the sidebar?

Finally I discovered that if you turn on view Toolbar in Finder, the sidebar then comes up when you Search in Finder - who would have guessed.... View Toolbar lets you see the Sidebar :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
AgentOrange76 said:
Has anyone ever been prosecuted or successfully sued for breaking into a house and having an accident?

Granted if there is a claymore at every entry point you are likely to be on sticky ground but there used to be stories of burglars breaking in and suing because they fell through a floorboard or tripped on a rug. Im betting that its never been successful and that "rule" applies to building sites and derelict buildings over the average home and its urban legend

If you do plan on a booby trap it seems you need to ensure that it gets them coming in rather than going out to avoid prosecution so no shooting them in the back........
Click to expand...
Awwww. ;)
 
woof woof said:
As some may know in my last job one of my things was health and safety and sadly unless the law has changed if someone enters your property and you've booby trapped it or even just left it in an unsafe condition and they injure themselves even if when committing a crime you're on the hook.

I'm getting a bit depressed reading reviews of these things. I might just not bother as they all seem to be "deterrent" value only and next to no real value at all when it comes to stopping or even slowing down someone who really does want to steal your car.

I think I might be better off printing a label and putting it in the windscreen...

"Dear potential car thief. This vehicle is on empty so there's no point stealing it as there's not enough juice in it to get you to the end of the road. Have a nice day."
Click to expand...
I seem to remember a case a while back when some lad fell through the glass roof of a (school?) building.
I think he won damages because nobody told him not to jump on it.
 
Following on from Dale's comment about cutting conifers - the cuts and scratches you get when you find out the shrub you are dealing with is hiding a bramble, as I did yesterday, my forearms are covered.

Dave

And the three ticks I had to remove yesterday evening.
 
ancient_mariner said:
The tailgating thing is problematic. If you're driving at 28-30 in a 30 limit and they do it then it's them. If you drive at 20-25 then unless there are special circumstances it's you driving without consideration for others.
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As I was told on. my first IAM lesson, it's a limit not a target. If I'm considering a change of direction I may well take my foot off of the gas until I'm sure the turning to my right/left is the one I want. Also, the guy in the car can't see the pheasant/duck/cat/dog etc that may be in front of me.

The standard advice when people are tailgating you is to slow down, which sometimes only antagonises them more, especially if you do it via the gearbox so don't flash any brake lights. As I drive an auto these days, I usually gently rest my left foot on the brake pedal, so they can see I'm slowing. However they are usually too focused on sitting up my arse to realise I am politely asking them to back off........
 
I think it was Stirling Moss who had extra switches in his brake lights circuit so whoever was following him couldn't see his actual braking points.
 
There's a balance to be had. If conditions warrant it, driving well under the speed limit is absolutely right, but driving deliberately slowly in order to antagonise other drivers goes beyond simple discourtesy. A learner taking their test would be failed for driving unreasonably slowly, for example. If a driver insisted on driving slowly because they were nervous or did not feel in control of their vehicle then they might display a P symbol to indicate that they were not up to scratch.

Obviously we all want to treat each other well - we don't need to race, but neither should we dawdle.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Obviously we all want to treat each other well - we don't need to race, but neither should we dawdle.
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The bad driver sees someone driving according to the road as dawdling. The good driver simply accepts that the driver in front sees more than himself.
 
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