Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves • Hacker News Board

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#111

Post by wil421 » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:00 PM UTC

ragebol wrote: post #61

In the Netherlands, when I order a package and no one's at home when it's delivered, it either gets delivered to my neighbors or to the post office, with a note of where to pick it up. It's never left at my door AFAIK. How is this not an option in the US?

Remember a lot of people in the US are in single family homes detached from another home. When I lived in a condo or apartment they could other leave a special key for big boxes in your normal mailbox. You would leave the key in the special mailbox for later. Or they would put it in your rental office. Large condos will have a concierge that will handle it for you.

Usually UPS will put it somewhere out of sight if they think it will be an issue.

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#112

Post by bootlooped » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:00 PM UTC

chrisseaton wrote: post #35

I don't understand why the delivery people just leave packages on porches? Why not leave somewhere safe and out of view? Or leave it with a neighbour?

Part of the reason, at least in some cases, must be apathy and laziness. USPS never rings my doorbell when they deliver, nor will they put the package anywhere it's not easily visible from the street, despite there being a couple of easy ways to do this.

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#113

Post by mcv » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:01 PM UTC

0898 wrote: post #96

I know I'm going to get downvoted for this, but glitter is a microplastic – I hope we'll see it being used less in the future.

I want to upvote you for your concern about microplastics, but my rule is to downvote people who complain about voting.

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#114

Post by tylerl » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:02 PM UTC

0898 wrote: post #96

I know I'm going to get downvoted for this, but glitter is a microplastic – I hope we'll see it being used less in the future.

Um.... OK.

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#115

Post by klausjensen » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:04 PM UTC

I really enjoyed the this. The insane over-engineering, the well thought out details (like the 30sec fart-spray to get them to ditch the package, maximising chances of recovery), the harmless-ness of it. Loved it! :D

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#116

Post by TheLoneAdmin » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:06 PM UTC

matt4077 wrote: post #78

Someone1234 wrote: post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Given the police's complete inaction vigilantism was inevitable. I wonder if an industry of decoy packages will spring up, maybe "sticky" or "smelly" glitter. Or heck just go full ink bomb. I wonder where the law stands on this? Can you really be liable if someone steals your property then causes property damage using it?

The law says booby-traps are illegal. Depending on the damage/injury you cause, you will be prosecuted. Two wrongs etc etc

Booby-trap is usually defined as "to cause bodily injury when triggered". Spreading glitter in someone's car isn't causing bodily injury. However, if the glitter caused someone to choke and die, or blinded an eye, then a crime would be committed.

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#117

Post by TheLoneAdmin » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:07 PM UTC

Hmm, I'd be worried about retribution. Spread glitter in someone's car, they might come back and torch your house. Assuming they can remember where they grabbed the package from.

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#118

Post by jessriedel » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:08 PM UTC

ragebol wrote: post #61

In the Netherlands, when I order a package and no one's at home when it's delivered, it either gets delivered to my neighbors or to the post office, with a note of where to pick it up. It's never left at my door AFAIK. How is this not an option in the US?

Requiring the package to be signed for is an option; most people don't want it because going to the post office to pick up your package is a huge pain, and thefts are pretty rare.

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#119

Post by laurentl » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:08 PM UTC

MrBuddyCasino wrote: post #10

Anyone else found it unsatisfactory that there was nothing about forwarding the footage of the thieves to the police?

Yeah.

“Hello officer, I made a booby trapped package and I...” gets tased “argh no you don’t under- “ is handed off to the secret service

I doubt the cops would look kindly on what is at best (funny) vigilante justice, at worse a violation of some federal law.

Re: Glitter bomb tricks parcel thieves

#120

Post by mankyd » Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 4:09 PM UTC

bewatson wrote: post #104

mankyd wrote: post #95

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Fart spray and glitter are temporary and relatively harmless. Permanent dye in someone's home are car is just being a jerk.

so is stealing a package off someones porch

I certainly don't deny that.

Personally, I'm still not going to perma-dye someone's car.