Some time late Friday night some POS scumbag slashed one of the tires on my recumbent. I am guessing this scum tried to steal it and when they realized that the lock was too tough for them they just slashed it for giggles.

I didn't even realize that it had been slashed until this morning. I had noticed the flat Saturday morning but just left it until today. It was when I pulled off the wheel that I saw where it had been slashed.

I've replaced the tire and got everything back as it should be, but it cost me money I really didn't need to be spending, not to mention the time involved with the repair. I'd love to get my hands on the scum that did this, although unless he is stupid enough to come back that's not likely to happen.

I guess I'm going to have to install a motion detector on the carport now.

Ugh. This is why I hate people. I'm sure you have better things to do rather than to stake out your vehicle, but if he is that stupid (lets hope so), a few nice words from your fists upside his face and nose might get the point across on how you feel . Then just make sure to incapacitate him enough until the law arrives.

Believe me, if I could have gotten my hands on him I would have handed over a bloody pulp to the cops after I finished with him.

Who said the law needs to be involved? I'm sure if he goes to the police, he'll have a hard time finding a decent reason why he was on your property.

Of course, if the criminal gets violent and you win, there's nothing a 2'x2'x4'-deep pit in the back yard and a few gallons of roofing tar shouldn't solve.

If it is a matter of tresspassing, then the law needs to be involved.

Self defence is a right, however you seem to be implying that if things get worse and the perpetrator is killed, simply disposing of the body is a solution, which is obviously a big mistake! Then it is no longer a matter of self defence, but murder and I doubt masonmn wants that. A person has the right to protect him/herself as well as their property, but not intentionally murdering someone.

In this state a person has a legal right to use force, even deadly force, to protect self and property. No need to not involve the cops. If I had caught him I would have been well within my rights to beat him to a pulp or even to shoot him. But beating him would be more satisfying.

Really, what I said was meant as a joke - I like trying to make people laugh off situations like this. I don't condone physical brutality unless it's in favour of protecting yourself.

So true. I practice Systema (Russian Martial Arts) and I have to admit, it's much more satisfying to repel someone with your fists than it is with an instrument of some sort (gun, knife, chain, etc.).

Wow. All this for a $5 bicycle tyre? If you're that worried about it, how about parking the thing indoors somewhere?

Actually it was a $25 tire, but that isn't the point. It has nothing to do with the thing itself or the money involved, but the action committed which was an invasion of my property and a violation of my personal rights. Sorry you don't understand such concepts. If more people did perhaps crime would go down.

Actually, I do understand these concepts. I have been the victim of such stupidity more times than I'd care to have been. So, I do understand how if feels to have petty crimes committed against you. I know it sucks, but sometimes you just have to "cop it sweet," be grateful that things aren't worse than they are and move on. That's life.

Can you really be 100% sure that the damage wasn't actually caused by something sharp that you may have run over? Sometimes, this sort of thing can develop slowly over a few hours or days.

Surely, if someone wanted to do some damage, they'd have done more than slash one tyre...

The cut was through the tire, liner, and tube and was a good 4 inches long and a quarter of an inch wide. It would have gone flat instantly had I been riding it when it happened. It had been parked for over six weeks while I was on the road. Also, the tire wasn't flat when I got home from the road on Friday and moved the bike from inside the house to it's parking spot on the carport. There is no doubt at all that it was done at some point between Friday night and Saturday morning.

Sorry, you may have a roll over and take it mentality but I for one do not.

Large dog - my last couple have been German Shepherd.
Seems to discourage incursions ...

I agree but not practical for me as I spend most of my time on the road in a big rig. Not really fair to the dog.