Chemical-Releasing Bike Lock Causes Vomiting To Deter Thieves (bbc.com)

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Chemical-Releasing Bike Lock Causes Vomiting To Deter Thieves (bbc.com)

Posted by BeauHD on Friday October 21, 2016 @03:30PM from the what's-that-smell dept.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from BBC: The "Skunklock" is a U-shaped steel bicycle lock with a pressurized, stinking gas inside. The gas escapes in a cloud if someone attempts to cut the lock. The company claims its "noxious chemical" is so disgusting it "induces vomit in the majority of cases." Even better, it claims, the gas causes "shortness of breathing" and impaired eyesight. The idea, which tries to make stealing a bike as unpleasant as possible, is raising money for production on crowdfunding site Indiegogo. "Our formula irreversibly ruins the clothes worn by the thief or any of the protection they may be wearing," the company claims on its crowdfunding page. Since stolen bikes sell for a fraction of their true cost, replacing clothing or equipment could make the theft more trouble than it's worth. Skunklock says it has tested its foul gas, and it even penetrates high-end gas masks -- though most thieves are unlikely to go to such lengths. But the company said that the compressed gas is perfectly safe -- and can only be released "by trying to cut through it with an angle grinder." If the chemical countermeasure is released, it is a one-time only use, and the lock, which costs over $100, will have to be replaced. But the hope is that the unpleasant experience will cause them to abandon the attempted theft, leaving the bicycle behind.

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available soon in your High School by turkeydance · 2016-10-21 15:32 · Score: 1

or Middle School or Elementary School
1. Re:available soon in your High School by Mr+D+from+63 · 2016-10-22 02:26 · Score: 2
  
  They've invented the perfect chastity belt, and don't even realize it.
Legal? by guruevi · 2016-10-21 15:35 · Score: 4, Insightful

Is it even legal to use this in any developed country? Any sort of problem (a delay in the mechanism, failure or bystanders) and you got a terrorism charge.

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1. Re:Legal? by BitterOak · 2016-10-21 15:38 · Score: 1
  
  Is it even legal to use this in any developed country? Any sort of problem (a delay in the mechanism, failure or bystanders) and you got a terrorism charge.
  I don't see why it would be illegal. If you don't want to get sprayed, don't steal bikes! And I don't see what you mean by "delay in the mechanism". It's a compressed gas that is released when you cut into the lock. There's really no mechanism involved here. And if bystanders are standing by watching while someone attempts to steal a bike, they deserve to get sprayed. And where exactly does terrorism come into this?
  
  --
  If I can be modded down for being a troll, can I be modded up for being an orc, or a balrog?
2. Re:Legal? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 15:44 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  Or an allergic reaction, perm. damage to vision, etc. This is most likely illegal in USA. There have been several cases of booby-trapping in the USA and it has always been grounds for arrest and conviction.
3. Re:Legal? by guruevi · 2016-10-21 15:46 · Score: 2
  
  From what it reads, it only works when someone cuts the lock with an angle grinder, meaning it may be something that is ignited by heat in order to work, plenty of circumstances where such ignition could be severely delayed (eg. in cold climates). If it's just compressed gas, any sort of metal issues (fatigue, bad welds or rust) or impact could release it (eg. if the biker gets hit by a car).
  Terrorism charge is the first thing that springs to mind what you'd get charged with if this gas either intentionally or accidentally gets released in a public area (such as a bike stand).
  
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  Custom electronics and digital signage for your business: www.evcircuits.com
4. Re:Legal? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 15:47 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  If a police official cut off a lock and got sprayed by that, I wouldn't be surprised to see a DA pressing booby-trap charges, as well as civil charges being files. If a kid is around and sprayed, that would be injury to a child, not to mention some parent suing the living shit out of the buyer of the lock and the lock maker.
  Hell with booby traps. My bike isn't cheap, but paying for a criminal defense lawyer who had to deal with the word of a cop (and mind you, almost anywhere in the US, if a cop gives testimony, the jury will go with that, no matter what.) Then, there is the civil charges.
  Yes, bike theft sucks, but booby traps are not going to do much, especially with stupid shit like this, where a would-be thief can place a piece of plastic tarp between them and the lock, slice through it with the grinder, take the bike, and hose everything off at the fence's place.
5. Re:Legal? by rossdee · 2016-10-21 16:42 · Score: 2
  
  " If you don't want to get sprayed, don't steal bikes!"
  It could be used to lock up somebody elses bike
  or something else, like a gate
  ISIS would be interested for sure
6. Re:Legal? by Bruce+Perens · 2016-10-21 16:52 · Score: 2
  
  No, of course it is not legal to set a trap to intentionally hurt someone, even if you expect that the trap could only be activated by the person committing property theft or vandalism. Otherwise, you'd see shotguns built into burglar alarms.
  Fire alarm stations sometimes shoot a blue dye which is difficult to remove or one which only shows under UV. Never stand in front of one when pulling the lever! But they are not supposed to hurt you.
  And of course these booby traps generally are not as reliable as the so-called "inventor" thinks and tend to hurt the innocent.
  
  --
  Bruce Perens.
7. Re:Legal? by freeze128 · 2016-10-21 16:55 · Score: 1
  
  It would probably be a better deterrent to just make your bike look like a couple of homeless guys fighting over a block of cheese.
8. Re:Legal? by rtb61 · 2016-10-21 17:21 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  To explain why it should be illegal. Hey dude, what are you doing with that bike. Crook cuts lock just as the person attempting to stop them gets close. Now that person trying to uphold the law and protect someone's bike, gets the dose, retching and disorientated stumbles back onto the road and gets run over by a bus. Congratulations the crook that actually cut the lock, took off and received a minimal dose and you just killed someone.
  If that is not bad enough for you, kids will be kids and the temptation to wear away at the lock so that it will fail just as you the owner try to unlock it, will be irresistible quite a few naughty children. Speaking of wear and tear, why is it, that you think it would be suitable to sell someone and wear and tear time bomb (you could imagine, bringing your bike in, greeting your family and accidentally dropping an old lock hard enough that the seal breaks and wow, will you family not be happy to see you).
  Want to ride your bike to places and not have it stolen, start demanding bike lockers in addition to car parks. So open locker, hook up front wheel to raise the bike in a more compact vertical position, shut locker and insert $1 coin, set combination, timer starts, get back in time or locker opens and advertises bike for sale ;). You could squeeze quite a few lockers in two carparks. Counting numbers of customers, 2 inconvenienced to provide for 30 customers and not that expensive, say $250 a locker, last pretty much a life time, apart from the lock :(. What to accelerate installations, demand legislation to require bike lockers at all retail locations (number of bike lockers required per number of car parks, for planning requirements those lockers spaces should still count as car parks, car parks are really expensive to put in, far and away more expensive than most people think). The do really need to be vertical though, so push front wheel onto hook and rotate large counter weighted lever, to raise and rotate bike into vertical position.
  
  --
  Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen
9. Re:Legal? by execthis · 2016-10-21 17:28 · Score: 1
  
  I agree. Plus a booby trap isn't half as fun as catching some scumbag in the act and getting the satisfaction of spraying the shit out of their eyes with pepper spray and maybe getting in a few really good kicks to the balls for good measure. The idea that they went home after only vomiting doesn't satisfy me. The idea that they're at home at least still partially writhing from stung eyes and aching balls is much better.
10. Re: Legal? by physicsphairy · 2016-10-21 17:33 · Score: 2
  
  Surely it is very clearly marked "will release noxious gas if cut" and is therefore not a boobytrap? As far as I'm aware you can, e.g., electrify a fence, you just have to put up appropriate signage. It is cheaper and more effective to deter thieves from trying the lock in the first place than to actually release the gas.
  
  --
  When things get complex, multiply by the complex conjugate.
11. Re:Legal? by MadMaverick9 · 2016-10-21 17:46 · Score: 1
  
  it only works when someone cuts the lock
  Why do you want to cut the lock if you wanna steal a bicycle?
12. Re:Legal? by mlts · 2016-10-21 17:55 · Score: 2
  
  This. For the cost of this project on the crowdfunding site, maybe that money should go towards a fund to get bike lockers placed in useful places. The biggest pushback I see about bike lockers, next to the implementation cost, is concern about people putting stuff they shouldn't in them. However, between having lockers like the ProPark View-Thru (which allow visual inspections) or registering people before handing them a key, this becomes a non-issue, about the same risk of people bringing the same stuff into the office.
  It really doesn't take that much to make a place in a building for bikes for all but the smallest companies. A room with a camera or two, card access, a row of lockers so people could put their helmet and a change of clothes, and a row of bike racks is definitely good enough. Bonus points if there are showers available.
  Part of the problem in the US is that European bike shelters tend not to work here, as they tend to be a target of vandalism. An automatic bike lift would be destroyed in almost no time flat. So, even though bike lockers take up a lot of space, they are a low common denominator, relatively tough to break in, and provide decent security, especially for overnight or all day use.
  To heck with booby traps. If you want something that actually will add security, spend the money to start (or promote an existing) advocacy group to get lockers places in more places. This would be real progress, and allow for far better security, as opposed to gimmicks [1].
  [1]: There are tons of bike lock designs out there, be it those that use Bluetooth apps, traveling keys, magnetic locks, but the real issue isn't the U-lock, it is putting the bike inside of a secure container so no part of the bike is accessible to a thief.
13. Re:Legal? by Pezbian · 2016-10-21 17:58 · Score: 1
  
  Airbag inflators.
  airgun CO2 cartridges
  
  --
  In a world of the blind, the one-eyed man is king--and the two-eyed man is a heretic.
14. Re:Legal? by Hognoxious · 2016-10-21 18:30 · Score: 1
  
  I don't see why landmines would be illegal. If you don't want to get your leg blown off, don't walk on other people's lawns!
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
15. Re:Legal? by hcs_$reboot · 2016-10-21 18:36 · Score: 1
  
  It's legal. Attaching a Samsung Note 7 to your bike to repel thieves is illegal, though.
  
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  Slashdot, fix the reply notifications... You won't get away with it...
16. Re:Legal? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 18:37 · Score: 1
  
  I could walk into McDonald's with a can of Bear Mace and start squirting little kids and it would not be considered terrorism.
  But it would be frowned upon. Thanks a lot Bin Laden!
17. Re: Legal? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 20:19 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  Lol. I can picture you internet tough guy with your dorito-encrusted dribbling chin. I bet you shit your pants at the GTA loading screen.
18. Re: Legal? by Hognoxious · 2016-10-21 20:40 · Score: 2
  
  Watch out - he's a 2nd Dan in keyboardarate!
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
19. Re: Legal? by Hognoxious · 2016-10-21 20:42 · Score: 1
  
  As far as I'm aware you can, e.g., electrify a fence, you just have to put up appropriate signage.
  What, anywhere?
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
20. Re:Legal? by thegarbz · 2016-10-21 20:52 · Score: 2
  
  To explain why it should be illegal. Hey dude, what are you doing with that bike. Crook cuts lock just as the person attempting to stop them gets close. Now that person trying to uphold the law and protect someone's bike, gets the dose, retching and disorientated stumbles back onto the road and gets run over by a bus. Congratulations the crook that actually cut the lock, took off and received a minimal dose and you just killed someone.
  With that contrived example I'm sure we could make everything illegal! That shopping you just did? A bag snatcher comes past and rips the bag out of your hand. You drop all the apples which roll a few meters and someone steps on one, slips backwards, stumbles into to traffic, and this entire concept that someone is held liable for this death is entirely retarded.
21. Re: Legal? by Gavagai80 · 2016-10-21 21:04 · Score: 2
  
  If it's clearly marked, 10 cent stickers saying "will release noxious gas if cut" are going to be much better sellers than the $100 lock.
  
  --
  This space intentionally left blank
22. Re:Legal? by Calydor · 2016-10-21 21:34 · Score: 1
  
  If you don't want to get sprayed, don't try to rape women!
  And yet pepper sprays are illegal in Denmark.
  
  --
  -=This sig has nothing to do with my comment. Move along now=-
23. Re: Legal? by AmiMoJo · 2016-10-21 23:31 · Score: 1
  
  A sign warning of an electric fence if not enough in most cases. If it's right next to a public space where a kid might accidentally touch it, you are going to be held liable if negligence.
  An inner fence on farm land, or protected by a normal fence is usually okay. It's all about how likely someone of limited ability (e.g. a child) is to see and understand the sign, or accidentally touch the fence when they fall off their bike or fall over drunk.
  
  --
  const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
  SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
24. Re:Legal? by JimSadler · 2016-10-21 23:46 · Score: 1
  
  Very few businesses or police departments give a hoot about bicycle theft. It is a shame. Worse yet, our courts are not punitive enough when bicycle thieves are arrested. It is unreasonable for a person to need to carry any bike locks or lock his or her bike anyway. Catch a bike thief and make him pay the owner twice the new price of the bicycle and put him on a probation that will demand that he be at the city park at 5AM to salute the raising of the flag every day for five years or face five years in prison. Even a school kid would get the point when they here other kids complain about having to stand at attention at 5 AM and raise the flag. What people fail to know is that every year there are more murders involved in bike thefts than in bank robberies. It is time to end bicycle theft and give bicyclists special benefits as they are not burning gasoline or diesel or causing traffic jambs or parking issues. Design the roads for bicycles and make cars the guest class on our roads.
25. Re:Legal? by gweihir · 2016-10-21 23:57 · Score: 1
  
  If you are really that blind, try replacing this with "poison gas" (which it legally likely is, as "shortness of breath" may well kill somebody) or "explosives". The idea is driven by an entirely understandable hatred of the utter scum that bicycle thieves are, but it is not viable.
  
  --
  Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
26. Re:Legal? by Jeremi · 2016-10-22 01:59 · Score: 1
  
  A less-contrived example would be when the person cutting the lock is legally authorized to do so. For example, someone leaves the lock (with or without a bicycle) locked to the rail of a handicap-access ramp, or some other place that it isn't allowed to be, and at some point a city employee is tasked to remove the lock. When (s)he does so, (s)he gets gassed. I don't think that would play well from a legal standpoint.
  
  --
  
  I don't care if it's 90,000 hectares. That lake was not my doing.
27. Re: Legal? by Pezbian · 2016-10-22 02:10 · Score: 1
  
  For making someone puke?
  Explosive dye packs in robbed bank money.
  Anti-Shoplifting devices with dye and broken glass.
  Hedging your best with AC, I see. Smart move.
  
  --
  In a world of the blind, the one-eyed man is king--and the two-eyed man is a heretic.
28. Re:Legal? by chmod+a+x+mojo · 2016-10-22 02:15 · Score: 1
  
  I don't see why it would be illegal. If you don't want to get sprayed, don't steal bikes! And I don't see what you mean by "delay in the mechanism". It's a compressed gas that is released when you cut into the lock. There's really no mechanism involved here. And if bystanders are standing by watching while someone attempts to steal a bike, they deserve to get sprayed.
  Because a person is not allowed to introduce bodily harm or destroy another persons property unless they themselves are in immanent danger.
  E.G. you can't light a person on fire for trying to steal your bike. If said person was to stop stealing your bike and try to attack you, you could then light them on fire ( assuming you had a flame thrower or something ), but only if you were, or had a real fear that you were, in danger of losing your life from the aggressor. The same principles apply to intentionally making someone sick. This is the same reason that taser car security systems are illegal.
  Furthermore, this may run afoul of poisoning laws, and both the company and owner of the lock would run afoul of lawsuits if someone for some reason was allergic to the compounds in the gas, and died of a result of getting sprayed.
  It does not matter in the eyes of the law that the person was doing something illegal at the time, they were not threatening the lives of others.
  
  --
  To err is human; effective mayhem requires the root password!
29. Re: Legal? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-22 02:26 · Score: 1
  
  I trust them infinitely more than I trust you. They have a name, a face and a business to run. They can be held accountable for anything that they sell and likely are knowledgeable on the laws pertaining to their products. You are not.
30. Re:Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 02:59 · Score: 1
  
  Search youtube for Taser, trap, bike theft.
  Taser in the seat, Burner phone to trigger. Leave it near dirtbags, backoff and wait for the fun to start.
  Most of the scumbags piss themselves when the taser triggers. Taser to the boys has to hurt. Labia wouldn't be better.
  I'd likely add a boot to the face while recovering the bike, but that's me.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
31. Re:Legal? by TheCarp · 2016-10-22 03:02 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Your not wrong per se, but that is about the dumbest contrived example of why I can imagine. Now.... lets stop stroking the marketing pricks ego and admit the real scenario.
  Nobody is angle grinding your fucking bike lock. There will almost always be an easier bike to steal and the majority of bike thieves are not walking around with power tools. Look right at the statements of the company: "and can only be released "by trying to cut through it with an angle grinder.
  Its "completely safe" because....that is almost never going to happen.
  More realistic... you lock up your bike somewhere its not supposed to be, and go inside some place. You get drunk and end up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning....now the city comes by to cut your lock and guess who gets gassed?
  
  --
  "I opened my eyes, and everything went dark again"
32. Re:Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 03:03 · Score: 1
  
  Because the level of effort the police will put into finding the person who 'assaulted' a bike thief will be epic?
  Even if the cops saw you do it, they wouldn't do a thing. If it's just the dirtbags word, they will fill out a report for him, just like they do for you if your bike is stolen. No effort will be made.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
33. Re:Legal? by liquid_schwartz · 2016-10-22 03:05 · Score: 1
  
  Terrorism charge is the first thing that springs to mind what you'd get charged with if this gas either intentionally or accidentally gets released in a public area (such as a bike stand).
  Do you work for the TSA by chance? By the above logic we better ban mace now because of terrorism.
34. Re: Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 03:05 · Score: 1
  
  Most electric fences only 'hurt like hell'. They are common on pasture boundaries.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
35. Re:Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 03:07 · Score: 1
  
  The inventors also clearly don't know how to break a U-Lock. No cutting involved. Put a small hydraulic jack inside the U and pump. Pops open having only broken the lock.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
36. Re:Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 03:12 · Score: 1
  
  One vote in favor the the Euphemism dance.
  Moron, Idiot, Retarded, Challenged. What do they have in common? Euphemisms, initially meant to protect 'tards feelings, that turned into insults.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
37. Re:Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 03:13 · Score: 1
  
  Nobody cuts off u-locks. You break them open with a hydraulic jack. Cutting them is a real bitch, while popping them open is quick and easy.
  This is just a stupid idea from someone who doesn't understand shit.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
38. Re:Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 03:33 · Score: 1
  
  What color is the sky in your world?
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
39. Re:Legal? by kencurry · 2016-10-22 03:41 · Score: 1
  
  Owner will be sued - yes it happened in Ca. A homeowner set a trap with a shotgun somehow aimed at the door to go off if someone broke in (guess he was sick of getting robbed, who knows). Anyway, of course someone breaks in, gets shot and sues. Legal theory is that you cannot set a trap, even if the perp sets it off by breaking the law. Homeowner lost the suit as I recall.
  
  --
  sigs are for losers (except to point out that sigs are for losers)
40. Re:Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 04:39 · Score: 1
  
  No. Just wrong. The jack takes about 20 seconds and makes very little noise.
  Have you ever used an angle grinder on hardened steel? Ever used on at all?
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
41. Re:Legal? by Rick+Schumann · 2016-10-22 06:25 · Score: 1
  
  As so many others have already said, this can't be legal in pretty much any country that has a rule of law. At the very least, if you made something like this on your own as a one-off, anyone who fell victim to it would have more than adequate grounds to bring a civil suit against you for bodily injury and who knows what else, even if they in fact could be proven to have been trying to steal the bike in the first place. Then there's the issue of innocent bystanders being caught in the 'blast radius' of the device and being made so incredibly sick from it; they'd have grounds to take you to civil court for damages. Also, how can anyone guarantee that the chemical(s) used in this are 100% 'safe' for 100% of all people? People sometimes have the strangest very-specific allergic reactions to things that they never would have suspected; if someone, even the thief themself, had an allergic reaction to this and died, the end-user and the manufacturer would possibly be held criminally responsible for the death, and most certainly would be sued in civil court by the next-of-kin for wrongful death. Finally, you must ask yourself this question: Is it really worth going to all this risk just to protect a bicycle? I'm a cyclist myself, and even if it was a $15000 bike (yes, there are some bikes I've seen that cost that much!) how does that compare to a human life, even that of a skeezy bike thief? It's not a reasonable response to a potential threat.
  
  I don't even own a bike lock. If I'm out on one of my bikes, it either never leaves my line-of-sight, or I leave it in the care of someone I know and trust, or I take it inside with me if I stop somewhere. If I have to drive somewhere I'm going to ride it's locked up inside the vehicle if I need to step away from it's line-of-sight. Furthermore I recommend that if you feel a need to ride your bike somewhere you're going to have to leave it, and it's a risky place to leave a bike, then perhaps you'd better re-think riding a bike there in the first place, or make other arrangements for the bike other than trusting any bike lock to protect it. Doesn't matter if it's a 'bike-shaped object' from Walmart that cost only a couple hundred bucks, or a top-of-the-line racing bike that's worth a fair fraction of your annual income, bike thieves will steal anything they can get their hands on.
42. Re:Legal? by BitterOak · 2016-10-22 06:27 · Score: 1
  
  If a police official cut off a lock and got sprayed by that, I wouldn't be surprised to see a DA pressing booby-trap charges, as well as civil charges being files.
  Why the heck would a police officer be cutting your bike lock unless you are illegally parked? And if you are illegally parked, then yeah, that would be on you. So don't park illegally.
  
  If a kid is around and sprayed, that would be injury to a child,
  An "injury" to a child who is stealing a bike! I doubt they'd find a jury who'd convict on those grounds!
  
  --
  If I can be modded down for being a troll, can I be modded up for being an orc, or a balrog?
43. Re: Legal? by Jack_the_Tripper · 2016-10-22 06:35 · Score: 1
  
  I saw on the TV a long time ago that the jack that came with the old VW bugs is perfect for this task. And who said the nightly news isn't educational?
44. Re:Legal? by ClickOnThis · 2016-10-22 07:31 · Score: 1
  
  Is it even legal to use this in any developed country? Any sort of problem (a delay in the mechanism, failure or bystanders) and you got a terrorism charge.
  Good question. IANAL, but my guess would be that the manufacturers are at fault if the mechanism fails and injures unintended victims.
  As far as a would-be thief's injuries are concerned, a quick google search suggests that a booby-trap may be legal as long as it is not lethal.
  https://www.google.com/search?...
  That being said, there may be a liability problem for someone who uses such a device. A would-be thief may be able to sue, depending on the circumstances and local laws. A jurisdiction that follows the doctrine of contributory negligence will not allow a thief to sue, because they were at fault for their injury. A jurisdiction that follows the doctrine of comparative fault would allow the courts to decide to what extent the thief's actions contributed to their injury, and reduce any award accordingly.
  
  --
  If it weren't for deadlines, nothing would be late.
45. Re:Legal? by gallen1234 · 2016-10-22 07:44 · Score: 1
  
  I lost my key once when I was a student and called the campus police. They sent someone out the same day to cut through the lock.
46. Re:Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-22 07:51 · Score: 1
  
  either intentionally or accidentally gets released in a public area
  You can't be criminally liable for an accidental release, unless you actually committed some act deemed gross negligence.
47. Re:Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-22 07:59 · Score: 1
  
  re. And if bystanders are standing by watching while someone attempts to steal a bike, they deserve to get sprayed.
  That's not the law. If bystanders are harmed or killed, etc, they can potentially file charges against both the manufacturer, the bike owner, and the criminal.
  And sue the manufacturer and bike owner for a large sum of $$$.
48. Re: Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-22 08:11 · Score: 1
  
  The electric fence you can have with proper signage is limited in amperage to about 100 mA, AND more importantly; it's not a continuous current like line power, but a small pulse of current lasting 1/300th of a second, and another pulse every second..
  Therefore..... it's not even something that can kill somebody. It's not the sign that makes electric fences legal or not a boobytrap...... It's the fact that these devices have to be designed in a certain way, and they are safe.
49. Re: Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-22 08:19 · Score: 1
  
  If it's right next to a public space where a kid might accidentally touch it, you are going to be held liable if negligence.
  Assuming the fence is installed correctly with a proper fence charger; coming into contact with it is just going to sting --- not capable of causing al electric shock or serious injury even to a squirrel, let-alone a kid.
50. Re:Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-22 08:27 · Score: 1
  
  Why the heck would a police officer be cutting your bike lock unless you are illegally parked?
  Destruction of the offender's property is not a legal remedy for illegal parking, anyways.
  If they need to forcibly remove your bicycle, then they can get a Locksmith to make a key for the lock without
  destroying your property, impound your bike AND your $100 lock, and bill you for the costs, or auction off the assets.
51. Re: Legal? by Hognoxious · 2016-10-22 08:28 · Score: 1
  
  Mmm. And you can just put one of those up alongside a busy city sidewalk or next to a primary school can you?
  Must be why I keep seeing them all the time. Twice a day, at least.
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
52. Re:Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-22 08:43 · Score: 1
  
  Congratulations the crook that actually cut the lock, took off and received a minimal dose and you just killed someone.
  You had no control of the actions that resulted in that person's death, and put a lock containing a clear warning.... the bike thief set those events into motion.
  Next you'll say the shiny sports car had too much bling on it which distracted a pedestrian into kicking a dog, who then ran across the street, snatched a woman's baby, and dropped the kid down an open sewer vent where the child drowned, Therefore, having too much bling on your car makes you a baby killer.
53. Re:Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-22 09:21 · Score: 1
  
  No. Just wrong. The jack takes about 20 seconds and makes very little noise.
  I've seen someone using a die-grinder cut through 12 locks, including high-security ones in less than 15 seconds each.
54. Re: Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-22 09:53 · Score: 1
  
  Mmm. And you can just put one of those up alongside a busy city sidewalk or next to a primary school can you?
  
  If there's no law against you installing it, then yes you most definitely can put one in; a school being nearby doesn't affect that.
  Now if it was a busy city sidewalk FIRST, and you adding that fence there is deemed a nuisance, they might be able to force you take it down, for the same reason they could force you to take down any fence you added -- forced easement (Your new fence is an eyesore or blocks a public view previously enjoyed).
  City dwellers tend to not like electric fences very much, and many towns have passed a local ordinance restricting where
  they can be installed to agriculturally-zoned land, OR require permits for fence projects, and may simply deny you the permit to install an electrified one.
  On the other hand, if you got any required permits and had it installed it before the ordinance was passed, then the city cannot make a post-facto law to force you to remove it, provided it is on your property.
55. Re:Legal? by Hognoxious · 2016-10-22 10:31 · Score: 1
  
  Some act like ... putting the booby-trap there in the first place?
  Were you on the last JD cohort to pass out of ITT?
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
56. Re:Legal? by Hognoxious · 2016-10-22 10:40 · Score: 1
  
  If people go round inflicting punishment that takes away the police's power. They can't let someone off in return for a bribe or information if the victim's already knocked eight bells out the perp.
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
57. Re: Legal? by Culture20 · 2016-10-22 13:20 · Score: 1
  
  Watch out - he's a 2nd Dan in keyboardarate!
  I'm now imagining a side-scroller typing game called keyboardarateka.
58. Re:Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 14:14 · Score: 1
  
  Is it even legal to use this in any developed country? Any sort of problem (a delay in the mechanism, failure or bystanders) and you got a terrorism charge.
  Straight out of "A Diamond Age" by Neal Stephenson.
  No, there is no way that this is legal in most countries. Even places that let you straight up shoot a thief doesn't allow booby-traps. The reason that electric fences are allowed is that lots of research has gone into electrocuting people, and electric fences uses designs widely believed to be safe. This particular man-trap won't have that sort of research. Furthermore, it will cause significant alarm, predictably, because there will be some sort of unknown chemical leak.
  I laughed when I saw this, but I don't really want to live in a place that allows it. I'm sure half of Asia will permit it though. And perhaps in those places the balance of risk is different. I don't know.
59. Re:Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 14:23 · Score: 1
  
  Hey there brainiac, sorry to question somebody so superior to us `tards, but I don't think a gas can secure a bicycle from theft. You might want to consult some sort of gas dispersal law to check, if you're not sure.
  Just saying, "no I was doing [same thing using innocent sounding words]" doesn't actually protect you from going to prison when you do something, I dunno, cause a terrorist response from emergency services because your man-trap accidentally discharged at an inconvenient place and time.
  For example, a taxi with a foreign driver crashes into your parked bicycle, and the whole metro shuts down because they thought it was a chemical attack. And it won't be a "false alarm" at all, they will discover that the chemical was indeed installed in the bike lock in order to cause discomfort.
  If you built this in your garage and caused an incident, you'd go to prison. If you sell this as a product, the first time it causes an incident you'll get shut down, and threatened with prison if you do it again.
60. Re: Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 14:36 · Score: 1
  
  Right, shooting things is OK or not depending on your intent.
  If you set a booby-trap, you'll find that the part of your intent that the law measures is if you intended to set the booby-trap, not why you set a booby-trap. You'll be surprised when they listen to your excuse and your claimed reason and not their heads and point out that you've simply admitted your motive and confessed!
  The intent of installing an air bag inflator is to activate a life-saving device. The intent of a bobby-trap is to cause some sort of negative effect when triggered, without the need of a human to check first to verify that they have some sort of narrowly defined special right to do harm to that person. By definition a booby-trap is not self-defense; it is activated automatically. And the intent is to harm. So even if you harmed a thief, in a jurisdiction where it is allowed to do that harm to thieves, you'd still not be allowed to do this because when you set the booby-trap, you had not already identified the thief.
  If somebody threatens you with bodily harm and you pepper spray them, you're committing innocent self-defense in jurisdictions that allow possession of pepper spray. If you take that same pepper spray and set it up to spray whoever cuts or otherwise damages your bike lock, you're a terrorist. It is really that simple.
  What if, for example, an authorized person cuts the lock because they determine (wrongly, perhaps) that your bike was illegally parked? They owe you for the damage, but you're not allowed to attack them with a chemical. What if they're allergic? What if they have a weakened immune system and die? You're going to prison, buddy.
  Like some random idiot said, "What the fuck is wrong with you?"
61. Re:Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 14:48 · Score: 1
  
  Period. as in ---> .
  It is just a character on your keyboard, it is not a magical spell to win arguments.
  You don't actually have the physical power to suspend the laws of physics and prevent a chemical from exiting a container because you used a dot on the internet. If there is a flaw in the metal, it will still fail. If the container is deformed due to a traffic accident, it will fail. If the pressure release value that prevents it from exploding when taken on an airplane has a flaw in some little piece of extruded plastic, it will fail.
  Nobody gives a shit about the character ., it is just ascii 0xe2. No, saying "my product is magical and can never leak" will not lead to readers of slashdot thinking, "Gosh, that Harry Potter kid is sure something!" No, they're going to say, "Expect the unexpected, you're obviously not a fucking engineer."
62. Re:Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 14:54 · Score: 1
  
  If a police official cut off a lock and got sprayed by that, I wouldn't be surprised to see a DA pressing booby-trap charges, as well as civil charges being files.
  The thing is, they wouldn't even know what it was, just that there was a chemical released. If it was in a major metro it would be an international incident and it would be hours from the first news reports until word got out what actually happened. It isn't just, you assaulted a cop and the DA is gonna charge it as something; it would be, you freaked out half the country and they can choose from a wide variety of serious felonies at multiple levels of jurisdiction.
63. Re: Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 14:57 · Score: 1
  
  [blah blah] dorito-encrusted dribbling chin [blah blah]
  That's the great thing about pepper spray; you don't have to look tough, or take classes, or exercise, or be coordinated or athletic, you just have to get it out of your pocket, fumble the plastic guard to the side, and press the button down and either you or the other guy has a face full of spray.
64. Re:Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 15:04 · Score: 1
  
  They have distinct advantages over booby traps, though: They're activated intentionally after the bike has been stolen.
  Totally illegal, but you're not going to accidentally taze a cop who is cutting the lock for whatever reason, you're not going to cause a terrorist scare when your bike gets run over, etc. You're not going to cause an airplane to be grounded when it explodes in the hold.
  So it is way less likely that anybody is going to care. And if somebody dies, probably don't post the video? I mean, people who die after being tazed die of heart attacks. It isn't like their head is going to be cooked or anything. Tweaker stole a bike, had a heart attack and crashed. Heart attack is a leading cause of death for drug addicts. Most bike thieves are drug addicts. I totally agree it is a horrible crime and people who commit it could go to prison. But... way less likely than a person setting an unattended booby trap, who won't even be there to cover their own ass when shit goes sideways.
65. Re: Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 15:07 · Score: 1
  
  Mmm. And you can just put one of those up alongside a busy city sidewalk or next to a primary school can you?
  
  If there's no law against you installing it, then yes you most definitely can put one in; a school being nearby doesn't affect that.
  Mighty big "if" you got there. And "what if" there actually is a law?
66. Re: Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 15:14 · Score: 1
  
  In my State they have to be on private property, at least some distance from any property line, clearly marked, and in a rural unincorporated area. In addition to all the specific rules about the technology used.
  They're not useful for keeping out humans. Some commenters clearly have a silly TV image of a chain link fence with electricity running through the whole thing.
67. Re:Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 15:21 · Score: 1
  
  Why the heck would a police officer be cutting your bike lock unless you are illegally parked?
  For example, maybe he's an idiot and thought it was illegally parked, even though you carefully made sure you thought it was OK. Maybe there was a problem with the signs, and it was unclear. Maybe somebody intentionally placed a sign in a place where bikes would be removed if parked, because they wanted to make a funny prank video.
  Maybe you were legally parked and there was a water leak and the utility company decided to dig up the concrete under your bike, and so they had the police cut the lock.
  Maybe it resembled a bicycle that was recently reported stolen, and the officer thought he was recovering it.
  Maybe somebody knew you had a booby-trapped lock and didn't like you, and paid somebody to make up a story that would cause the officer to cut the lock.
  The possible circumstances are nearly endless, I could write thousands of pages of examples. It would not be an exciting book. Locks get cut very often, sometimes for good reasons, sometimes not.
68. Re:Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 15:28 · Score: 1
  
  Indeed, it is no remedy at all, and because of that you'll find yourself being billed for the cost of removal, including if they hired a tow company to do it for them.
  Not being a remedy just means it isn't subtracted from your fine, it doesn't mean that it doesn't still happen. The thing that towing the vehicle remedies is that it is in the way of other vehicles that might want to park legally, or otherwise use the public space that the illegally parked conveyance is blocking. You don't necessarily even have to be illegally parked for this to happen, just being in the way is often enough.
  When the do construction, they post notice on the side of the street for some number of days in advance, if they can. Vehicles that don't get moved, get towed. They never illegally parked or anything. And yet, they're still responsible for their vehicle and should have moved it. If it is emergency construction without a notice period, you don't get billed, but they still move the vehicles, and any inconvenience you suffer is your own problem.
  If you're parked illegally, your loss of a $100 lock was your own fault. If they were mistaken about your parking, they'll have to pay it back later. If it was just in the way but legal, they'll pay sooner, but they won't want to hear you whine and cry about it.
69. Re:Legal? by Aighearach · 2016-10-22 15:48 · Score: 1
  
  That's the rub; thieves have to open them efficiently to avoid getting busted, and so they have specialized tools.
  Maintenance workers don't have to do it efficiently, they have to do it within some portion of a work shift, and they don't have to avoid detection or anything. And they already have lots of generalized metal cutting tools. So that is what they use. They're not going to get special tools just for cutting certain locks; they're going to have bolt cutters, grinders, cutting wheels, hack saws, etc.
70. Re:Legal? by zwarte+piet · 2016-10-22 20:51 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah, just cut the bike frame.
71. Re:Legal? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-23 03:30 · Score: 1
  
  U lock != padlock.
  A U lock is a big old U that goes through the wheel and frame. Even if strong a padlock leaves the chain as an obvious weakness.
  Padlocks are jokes. Boltcutters are the appropriate tool for them. (I remember the first criminal kid on my block that got a set of bolt cutters, for about 3 months it was better to not put padlocks on anything, as they attracted Kenny. Then he cut the padlock off a railroad switch and derailed a freight train into the little blue river, then bragged about it...We didn't see him for a while, he was real lucky he didn't kill anyone.)
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
72. Re:Legal? by K10W · 2016-10-23 10:16 · Score: 1
  
  From what it reads, it only works when someone cuts the lock with an angle grinder, meaning it may be something that is ignited by heat in order to work, plenty of circumstances where such ignition could be severely delayed (eg. in cold climates). If it's just compressed gas, any sort of metal issues (fatigue, bad welds or rust) or impact could release it (eg. if the biker gets hit by a car).
  Terrorism charge is the first thing that springs to mind what you'd get charged with if this gas either intentionally or accidentally gets released in a public area (such as a bike stand).
  I doubt it is a heat triggered mechanism, more like simple cheap dumb solution; the likely mode of suspected failure is cutting through the D loop which is probably just hollowed out with pressurised gas in it. If it is that the problem is the method of failure for most is they are popped out with portable bottle jacks NOT angle grinders. It just tears out where the Dloop end mates with the end bar if it is anything like normal locks, so it is just as insecure. I have a very expensive bike and never had a problem as I know there is no such thing as thief proof lock.
  
  My bike is very expensive custom I built to spec I needed from scratch and my lock is decent but I know full well it wont stop thieves, the independent tests show it is highly rated because it will just slow down thieves around 60seconds if they are good. With that in mind I only leave it unattended for short periods in places know; pro thieves go equipped but tend to check particular spots I'd not leave my bike at. If there are a few other bikes that can be taken in 10seconds they'll take them before mine especially in high traffic areas as they are worse than very isolated places for pro thieves generally, opportunists take much longer and can't deal with locks as fast or at all due to equipment and oft wont steal it in full view of public like a pro thief will without raising eyebrows of some passers by (people don't give a shit most the time though).
  
  My antitheft device design would work much better (this is a joke btw I've not really rigged this). Carry a customised seatpost with crappy seat (heat treatable steel tubing is cheap), shim post as needed to accomodate the frame, put a block with crude firing pin inside the frame seattube and as big a gauge you can get shotgun slug inside the seatpost. Loosen the seatpost bolt just enough that it gives but only when weight is on it. Obviously joking (shotgun slugs aren't available here unlike shot) but it'd stop them stealing plus you'd have an audible alert when it was taken so you could get the bike back for the price of a hose down and new sacrificial seat (again this is totally tongue in cheek don't do this. Forgetting to swap to your proper seat would also be worse than the legal problems of doing this). TL DR use better than average lock, don't leave your bike unattended for long time, in hotspots or very isolated or sketchy places. Low hanging fruit tends to be the main target.
73. Re:Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-23 10:20 · Score: 1
  
  Padlocks are jokes. Boltcutters are the appropriate tool for them.
  Neither 48-inch boltcutters, nor a standard hacksaw will put a dent in the good padlocks.
  The material in a U-bolt is not fundamentally different from the material in the hardened highsec padlock hasps
74. Re: Legal? by rpstrong · 2016-10-23 10:51 · Score: 1
  
  The electric fence you can have with proper signage is limited in amperage to about 100 mA, AND more importantly; it's not a continuous current like line power, but a small pulse of current lasting 1/300th of a second, and another pulse every second..
  Battery powered units do use the pulse system in order to conserve power. A/C powered units (or at least the three units that I have installed) provide a continuous current - but, as you mentioned, the power is safe for medium sized dogs, as well as humans.
75. Re: Legal? by rpstrong · 2016-10-23 10:56 · Score: 1
  
  Assuming the fence is installed correctly with a proper fence charger; coming into contact with it is just going to sting --- not capable of causing al electric shock or serious injury even to a squirrel, let-alone a kid.
  Tell that to the dead squirrel that I removed from my dog-rated wire (the instructions warned against using it with pets under a certain weight - 15 or 20 pounds, as I vaguely recall.)
76. Re:Legal? by monkeyzoo · 2016-10-23 13:07 · Score: 1
  
  While I agree with your point, it's worth noting that burglars have successfully won civil lawsuits for being injured while trying to break into homes and, for example, falling through the roof. #F'edUpJustice
77. Re:Legal? by michael_wojcik · 2016-10-24 07:50 · Score: 1
  
  Indeed. While there are battery-powered angle grinders (which would beat wandering around with a long extension cord, or pulling your compressed-air tank with you on your bicycle-theft expeditions), you can carry a couple of decent-sized pry bars for the same weight and less bulk, so even if you're going after locked bikes there's little reason to use a grinder. And pry bars have many other criminal uses.
  Why not tell us how great this lock will be against thieves wielding acetylene torches and thermal lances, while they're at it? "Resists small explosive charges! Difficult for chimpanzees to grip! Combination cannot be set to 1234!"
78. Re: Legal? by mysidia · 2016-10-26 06:27 · Score: 1
  
  Tell that to the dead squirrel that I removed from my dog-rated wire
  It sounds like you might have found one where the manufacturer cut corners to save $$$.
  Or it is possible that your dead squirrel had a mishap aside from encountering your electric fence.
  I imagine your dog-rated installation is closer to the ground than a normal electric fence, and it's possible that
  a squirrel tried to crawl underneath, then got trapped in there and snagged on the wire, unable to withdraw.....
  This is different from just coming in contact with an energized wire...... In fact, a completely Non-electrified fence can
  sometimes snag and get small rodents killed.
79. Re: Legal? by rpstrong · 2016-10-26 06:59 · Score: 1
  
  Tell that to the dead squirrel that I removed from my dog-rated wire
  It sounds like you might have found one where the manufacturer cut corners to save $$$.
  Why do you think that? I've used three different models; all seemed to put out about the same power and had similar warnings. BTW, they were rated for charging something lika a quarter mile of wire - I don't know about the battery powered models.
  
  Or it is possible that your dead squirrel had a mishap aside from encountering your electric fence.
  And it is possible thast the condemned man died from a heart attack just before the firing squad fired. But I'll stick to Occam's Razor: I'm going to assume that a dead squirrel lying across the wire probably died from the wire.
  
  I imagine your dog-rated . . .
  The charger wasn't specifically 'dog-rated', in fact it was mostly intended for livestock - but was suitable (and safe) for dogs over the indicated weight mark.
  
  . . . installation is closer to the ground than a normal electric fence, and it's possible that a squirrel tried to crawl underneath, then got trapped in there and snagged on the wire, unable to withdraw
  Very true. I used two wires - one at the top, and one about six inched above the ground to discourage digging. The squirrel - as well as one or two other critters, their species forgotten - were found bridging the gap between the wire and the fence. (I also found a dead owl on the top wire - felt bad about that).
  
  This is different from just coming in contact with an energized wire
  Yes, especially since the current is continuous. A battery powered pulse system might have taken out the owl, but I seriously doubt that it would have nailed the mammals.
80. Re:Legal? by Anonymous+Cow+Ward · 2016-10-31 08:24 · Score: 1
  
  And how do you plan on cutting something with a tarp between you and it? Moreover, if it's a nasty enough smell to penetrate gas masks, why do you think a tarp will protect you?
  
  --
  Examine even your most deeply held beliefs. Nobody is always right.
81. Re:Legal? by Anonymous+Cow+Ward · 2016-10-31 08:25 · Score: 1
  
  No, of course it is not legal to set a trap to intentionally hurt someone, even if you expect that the trap could only be activated by the person committing property theft or vandalism. Otherwise, you'd see shotguns built into burglar alarms.
  Generally not quite true; you can't set traps expected to cause serious bodily injury. Discomfort (like something that smells terrible) is a deterrent but won't kill or maim, so in a lot of jurisdictions you'd be okay doing that.
  
  --
  Examine even your most deeply held beliefs. Nobody is always right.
Ruined bike? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 15:37 · Score: 2, Insightful

Won't the bike itself be equally tainted by this chemical?
1. Re:Ruined bike? by sexconker · 2016-10-21 16:45 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  No, because it's a crowd funding project. It won't ever see the light of day in any working form.
2. Re:Ruined bike? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 19:50 · Score: 1
  
  Depends what's porous on your bike and how pervasive the chemical is. New handlebar tape is about $20. New seat anywhere from $30 to $100+. New tires $60 and up. If things like brakes/shifters/brifters/derailleurs can't be cleaned adequately, that can be $50-$100 for a cheapo bike to hundreds for a nice one.
  If it sticks to grease or dirt the bike might need to be almost completely disassembled and cleaned like a motherfucker. Either a solid weekend of dirty, stinky work (if you have the tools and knowhow) or a decent sized bill for labor at a shop.
  All the big, simple metal parts should be salvageable, but really that's only around half the value of the bike. Sounds like it'll be a close call whether or not it's even worth it to try to de-stink it instead of buying a new one.
3. Re:Ruined bike? by Mr+D+from+63 · 2016-10-22 02:23 · Score: 1
  
  I think this sort of thing might actually encourage mischievous kids who would not have any interest in the bike to cut the thing open on a dare.
4. Re:Ruined bike? by danomac · 2016-10-22 04:39 · Score: 1
  
  I was more thinking that if they booby trap the lock, the thieves will resort to freezing and breaking the chain instead...
what? by geoskd · 2016-10-21 15:37 · Score: 4, Insightful

Our formula irreversibly ruins the clothes worn by the thief or any of the protection they may be wearing
What about the bike? Doesn't this ruin the bike?

--
I wish I had a good sig, but all the good ones are copyrighted
1. Re:what? by SeaFox · 2016-10-21 15:40 · Score: 2
  
  What about the bike? Doesn't this ruin the bike?
  I'm sure it will be perfectly operational for the owner to enjoy after the lock is triggered... just like an automobile runs fine after a skunk sprays the interior.
2. Re:what? by waynemcdougall · 2016-10-21 15:53 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Our formula irreversibly ruins the clothes worn by the thief or any of the protection they may be wearing
  What about the bike? Doesn't this ruin the bike?
  We had to destroy the bike in order to save it.
  I love the smell of Skunklock in the morning. It's the smell of.....victory.
  
  --
  Recycle PCs and build a wireless community network www.hillsborough.org.nz
3. Re:what? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 19:33 · Score: 1
  
  people will see these locks and purposely trigger them with rocks
4. Re:what? by thegarbz · 2016-10-21 20:52 · Score: 1
  
  Our formula irreversibly ruins the clothes worn by the thief or any of the protection they may be wearing
  What about the bike? Doesn't this ruin the bike?
  If it doesn't ruin the bike, the vomit most certainly will.
I bet by 93+Escort+Wagon · 2016-10-21 15:45 · Score: 4, Insightful

I can defeat this with a roll of duct tape.

--
#DeleteChrome
1. Re:I bet by rsilvergun · 2016-10-21 16:50 · Score: 2
  
  Wouldn't you have to cut through the duct tape?
  
  --
  Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
2. Re:I bet by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 16:53 · Score: 1
  
  NO! That's the best part of this!
Reminds me of a spring gun... by crankyspice · 2016-10-21 15:52 · Score: 1

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katko_v._Briney

--
geek. lawyer.
what the company fails to diclose... by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 15:55 · Score: 1

so disgusting it "induces vomit in the majority of cases."

It's filled with haggis.
illegal? by bloodhawk · 2016-10-21 15:58 · Score: 1

Given the effects I would have thought such a device would be considered illegal in most western countries to use or sell. Even things like Mace or pepper spray are illegal in a lot of places as are mantraps or anything designed to incapacitate or injure a person.
1. Re:illegal? by DaHat · 2016-10-21 16:48 · Score: 1
  
  Even things like Mace or pepper spray are illegal in a lot of places
  In war yes... not as much as you'd think in civilian or police hands: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
  
  as are mantraps or anything designed to incapacitate or injure a person.
  Often true... though depending on the sort of injury inflicted I would imagine.
  While I'm no fan of capsaicin... is it really a substance which causes injury? The dirty little secret of it is that it doesn't actually cause chemical burns or the physical damage the person subjected to it feels. The injuries from the stuff are associated with the person scratching/rubbing the affected areas and actually causing damage.
  In the US for example, the legal barrier needed to shoot someone with a firearm is quite high... it is much much lower to spray someone in the face with mace... though there, it is a person triggering it vs a trap.
  In either case, I think many a lawyer will buy a new boat or house thanks to this product.
  
  --
  Help Brendan pay off his student loans
2. Re:illegal? by DaHat · 2016-10-21 17:17 · Score: 1
  
  ummm your link to Wikipedia article confirmed rather than disputed it.
  If your eyes only read those places where they are illegal... then yes. I was simply pointing out that they are also legal in a lot of places.
  
  A lot of countries have it as illegal even as a defensive device.
  And in a lot of countries, mace is legal as a defensive device... again, which was my point.
  
  Add in booby trap/man trap laws and this thing a free ticket to jail in most of the world.
  Most? Care to substantiate that with a survey of the world as to where they are/are not legal?
  
  --
  Help Brendan pay off his student loans
3. Re:illegal? by rpstrong · 2016-10-23 12:01 · Score: 1
  
  In the US for example, the legal barrier needed to shoot someone with a firearm is quite high...
  . . . as it is in most of the world. Bear in mind, though, that the legal standards are set on a state by state basis, and that there are significant differences across the country.
Chemical? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 16:06 · Score: 1

Them saying "noxious chemical deterrent" is so f**king vague. WHAT is the actual chemical(s) used?
They claim this device is legal, but I have my doubts on that.
1. Re:Chemical? by bloodhawk · 2016-10-21 16:14 · Score: 1
  
  If it causes shortness of breath or diminishes eyesight even for a short period it is almost certainly illegal in most places.
2. Re:Chemical? by JustAnotherOldGuy · 2016-10-21 22:15 · Score: 1
  
  No, because chilli sauce, onion juice etc. can have the same effects.
  Yes, but people consume those willingly and deliberately.
  If you go around spraying people in the face with chili sauce or onion juice, expect to be arrested for assault and battery.
  
  --
  Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
3. Re:Chemical? by bloodhawk · 2016-10-22 17:18 · Score: 1
  
  if you set chilli sauce or onion juice into a booby trap also expect to be thrown in jail in most places. It isn't the ingredient that is the issue, it is the use and injury, even if only to a scumbag thief it isn't legal in most countries.
what about the chain? by nanoflower · 2016-10-21 16:17 · Score: 1

So what if the thief cuts the chain instead of the lock? Is the normal lock that much easier to cut than the chain? Or is the design such that it's all lock and nothing else?
1. Re:what about the chain? by DaHat · 2016-10-21 17:37 · Score: 1
  
  You could still in theory cut the locking bar... though that may take a bit longer.
  
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2. Re:what about the chain? by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 03:23 · Score: 1
  
  I am so disappointed with /.
  You don't cut U-locks. You break them open with a hydraulic jack.
  Bunch of god damn pussy law abiders around here, babes in the woods thinking this lock will do anything.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
Gas Chamber ruins integrity of lock by Nyder · 2016-10-21 16:23 · Score: 3, Interesting

By putting in a chamber to hold the gas, you then ruin the integrity of the lock by make the metal weaker and easier to cut thru.
If I am stealing bikes, like I did when I was a junkie, puking isn't going to stop me from finishing the job and grabbing the bike. By putting in the gas, you made it easier to cut thru the lock, so I'm guessing it won't stop as many people as you think.

--
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1. Re:Gas Chamber ruins integrity of lock by thegarbz · 2016-10-21 20:54 · Score: 1
  
  If I am stealing bikes, like I did when I was a junkie, puking isn't going to stop me from finishing the job and grabbing the bike.
  Sure it will, especially if there's a perfectly skunklock free bike right next to it, and doubly so if you just vomited all over the thing you're trying to steal.
  That said it's still a retarded idea.
2. Re:Gas Chamber ruins integrity of lock by Archimonde · 2016-10-22 03:29 · Score: 1
  
  If it is anything like a pepper spray I wouldn't agree with you. I got sprayed once with a very slight amount in a theatre (don't ask) and I thought that I was going to die. It provokes terrible body reactions and you have a feeling that your lungs, throat, eyes and mouth are on fire. Absolutely terrible feeling and you stop what ever you are doing just coughing, crying and gasping for air which burns even more. It is vile through and through.
  So if this gas released by the lock is similar, I do see a point about stopping thief with the smell. Of course, a gas mask will defeat this, but well, maybe they will just go and steal some other bike.
  
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3. Re:Gas Chamber ruins integrity of lock by rpstrong · 2016-10-23 12:05 · Score: 1
  
  Of course, a gas mask will defeat this, but well, maybe they will just go and steal some other bike.
  Not according to the summary:
  "Skunklock says it has tested its foul gas, and it even penetrates high-end gas masks"
Yes its probably illegal by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 16:26 · Score: 1

but is anyone else noticing that the lock is $100, for $100 i'd want a lock to protect my lock
1. Re:Yes its probably illegal by ShanghaiBill · 2016-10-21 16:52 · Score: 1
  
  but is anyone else noticing that the lock is $100, for $100 i'd want a lock to protect my lock
  Indeed. I bought my bike for $50 on Craigslist. No way am I buying a $100 lock for it.
2. Re:Yes its probably illegal by DaHat · 2016-10-21 17:41 · Score: 2
  
  Which makes sense for a $50 bike perhaps.
  A friend had ~$600 worth of bike & stuff stolen last month after his $25 lock was cut.
  He since purchased a replacement bike (similar price) but has upgraded to a $50 lock this time around... and claims that it is easier for the thief to simply cut whatever the bike is locked to than the lock... which still suggests some vulnerabilities, even with the lock in TFA.
  
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3. Re:Yes its probably illegal by dunkelfalke · 2016-10-21 20:57 · Score: 1
  
  With that kind of a bicycle I'd rather walk. A more or less decent bike starts at $700.
  
  --
  "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
4. Re:Yes its probably illegal by serviscope_minor · 2016-10-21 21:19 · Score: 1
  
  It's easier to cut the bike. It's not that uncommon to simply cut through the frame of a high end bike, pinch the whole thing then sell off the parts.
  Bike thieves are scum.
  
  --
  SJW n. One who posts facts.
5. Re:Yes its probably illegal by JustAnotherOldGuy · 2016-10-21 22:24 · Score: 1
  
  It's not that uncommon to simply cut through the frame of a high end bike, pinch the whole thing then sell off the parts.
  Bike thieves are scum.
  True and true.
  In Seattle they'll sometimes cut away part of the bike stand (the part you lock the bike to) and then cover the cut out part with some decorative metal tape. You lock your bike up, they come along later and slit the tape, then slide the bike and the lock right off the stand through the cut. They're clever little scumbags, I'll give them that.
  
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  Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
6. Re:Yes its probably illegal by ShanghaiBill · 2016-10-22 01:00 · Score: 1
  
  With that kind of a bicycle I'd rather walk. A more or less decent bike starts at $700.
  ... and 5 years later, it is sold on Craigslist for $50.
7. Re:Yes its probably illegal by Jeremi · 2016-10-22 02:06 · Score: 2
  
  ... and 5 years later, it is sold on Craigslist for $50.
  ... by a guy who smells suspiciously like skunk.
  
  --
  
  I don't care if it's 90,000 hectares. That lake was not my doing.
8. Re:Yes its probably illegal by dunkelfalke · 2016-10-22 07:20 · Score: 1
  
  Nope, it won't unless it's a total and probably not even then. Even a stolen one would rather be disassembled for parts - the wheelset alone would be worth more than $50 on eBay.
  
  --
  "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
9. Re:Yes its probably illegal by dunkelfalke · 2016-10-22 07:22 · Score: 1
  
  It is not about extra speed, it is about knees, wrists and spine that won't hurt after even a short ride, it is about functioning brakes derailers, about straight wheels with hubs not full of rust and last but not least about being light enough to carry if needed.
  
  --
  "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
10. Re:Yes its probably illegal by dunkelfalke · 2016-10-24 19:31 · Score: 1
  
  The frame is nowadays of pretty minor importance when it comes to the weight of the bike - even cheap ones generally weigh less than 1.5 kg. And the cheap bike shocks aren't. They are just coils without any damping. A decent shock will cost more than the whole $200 bike.
  
  --
  "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
Yeah, that's one of the funny things about law by rsilvergun · 2016-10-21 16:53 · Score: 1

just 'cause someone's stealing your stuff doesn't mean you can commit acts of violence on them. At least in most Jurisdictions. A buddy of mine went through some criminal law classes and he always got a kick out of the look on people's faces when they found that out. It makes sense though. If you don't feel threatened you shouldn't be attacking somebody. That's sort of a key component of civilized society. I guess you could make the argument that if you're poor enough having what little you have stolen is a threat, but ideally we shouldn't have anybody that poor.

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1. Re:Yeah, that's one of the funny things about law by swb · 2016-10-21 23:58 · Score: 1
  
  Use of force gets complicated, fast.
  In Minnesota, you can use deadly force to stop the commission of a felony in your home.
  The felony doesn't have to represent a risk of physical harm, although I think it would help -- shooting a 16 year old kid with your iPad, about the climb out the broken window he came in might be something the DA would consider charging, if only for the DAs own personal PR.
  The adult with any kind of a weapon, especially a firearm? They've met the definition of a felony right there, plus there is the risk of harm.
2. Re:Yeah, that's one of the funny things about law by ArtemaOne · 2016-10-22 08:20 · Score: 1
  
  In Texas you can end someone's life if you are recovered stolen property after dark. This was held up a few years ago after a hooker took a guy's money and ran without providing her services. He killed her, got his stolen money, and was found not guilty.
Sounds familiar by ClickOnThis · 2016-10-21 17:21 · Score: 4, Funny

Perhaps this invention will win the IgNobel prize for Peace, like the flame-throwing car alarm did in 1999.

--
If it weren't for deadlines, nothing would be late.
Pepper spray and vigilance are better by execthis · 2016-10-21 17:25 · Score: 1

Just keep pepper spray and be always be prepared to use it if you see someone tampering with your or anyone else's locked bicycle.
There's no substitute for people being vigilant. Not long ago in San Francisco a guy went up and cut through a bicycle lock with a circular saw in broad daylight, as people walked by. I think there are other more serious problems to worry about.
1. Re:Pepper spray and vigilance are better by Anonymous Coward · 2016-10-21 21:06 · Score: 1
  
  I once did the same, it was my bike after all. Someone had put an other lock on it, hoping they would get back with tools before I did. On an other occasion I lost my key and carried the bike a few km to home, I ran into a patrol car, they didn't even blink.
2. Re:Pepper spray and vigilance are better by Mal-2 · 2016-10-22 09:12 · Score: 1
  
  Pepper spray is classified as an offensive weapon in the UK. You can't carry it.
  
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  How is the Riemann zeta function like Trump rallies? Both have an endless number of trivial zeros.
3. Re:Pepper spray and vigilance are better by Nehmo · 2016-10-22 10:47 · Score: 1
  
  You didn't give off the thief vibes. Or you didn't look guilty. I had to break into my car once in a busy parking lot. Nobody questioned me.
  On time I was staying with my girlfriend on the 3rd floor apartment, which had a balcony. In violation of the rules, I brought my dog in with me. I parked across the street below the balcony a few spaces away. The sidewalk had some foot traffic. Around 3 AM we awoke to my dog barking, and she wouldn't stop. She went to the balcony, and I followed. I looked out, and, seeing nothing, tried to calm my dog. But then the car alarm went off on the car in front of mine. Two black guys took off running.
  
  --
  (||) Nehmo (||)
4. Re:Pepper spray and vigilance are better by Culture20 · 2016-10-22 13:15 · Score: 1
  
  I once did the same, it was my bike after all. Someone had put an other lock on it, hoping they would get back with tools before I did.
  Now imagine someone put their own vomit-inducng lock on your bike.
5. Re:Pepper spray and vigilance are better by RockDoctor · 2016-10-27 08:01 · Score: 1
  
  ... unless you're a police patrol officer.
  
  --
  Birds are not dinosaur descendants;birds are dinosaurs, for all useful meanings of "birds", "are" and "dinosaurs"
From the FAQ: legality, defeatability, etc. by hraftery · 2016-10-21 20:43 · Score: 1

As per, plenty of armchair wet blankets around here. From TFA's FAQ, here to answer your doubts (paraphrased liberally):

Q: Is SKUNKLOCK legal?
A: We have taken the necessary precautions to ensure that the SkunkLock is legal and compliant with US laws and regulations. There's some restrictions around capsaicin designed to limit pepper spray use, so in those states we can sell a non-capsaicin version.

Q: What happens in an accident? What if you drop it or a prankster hits it? (Not actually an FAQ, just inferred from the article to head off the Slashdot crowd).
A: It's a u-bolt lock. It's a hell of a lot more durable than a can of pepper spray, which are bounced around inside purses all over the world. It doesn't release the chemical unless it's cut.

Q: Can't a thief just wear a mask or protection?
A: Technically, yes. Will it help them steal your bike? Probably not. The formula that we've developed is detectable through even some of the most robust gas masks (unfortunately, we learned this the hard way!).
How long... by xlsior · 2016-10-21 21:17 · Score: 4, Insightful

...Until someone decides to be "funny" and uses such a lock to chain up someone else's bike/door/whatever? Good luck regaining access to your own property without getting maced in the process...
1. Re:How long... by WallyL · 2016-10-23 23:58 · Score: 1
  
  Cryptobiker?
nobody uses angle grinder by aepervius · 2016-10-21 21:21 · Score: 1

the tool of the thieves are 1) those giant pincer for cheap cable lock 2) hammer and screwdriver for the U one or 3) cheap can of liquid N i saw used + hammer 4) and the usual small but of metal used as picklock.
nobody will be using an angle grinder to steal a bike.

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1. Re:nobody uses angle grinder by HornWumpus · 2016-10-22 02:56 · Score: 1
  
  'U locks' are best popped with small hydraulic jacks. The gas would never be released.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
Illegal. by Fragnet · 2016-10-21 22:06 · Score: 1

This would be against the law in the UK.
Troll bait bike lock. by Rip!ey · 2016-10-21 22:32 · Score: 1

Just wait until the kids find these, and fill the lock mechanism with super glue. Now what are you going to do. Cut it?
1. Re:Troll bait bike lock. by gweihir · 2016-10-22 00:01 · Score: 1
  
  Nice! I guess this would cut down on these locks being used pretty fast.
  
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  Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
Bolt Cutters by Fly+Swatter · 2016-10-22 01:03 · Score: 1

Aren't bolt cutters faster and quieter than an electric grinder ?
Plus they will pinch off the cut ends, keeping the stink in.
1. Re:Bolt Cutters by petermgreen · 2016-10-22 10:24 · Score: 1
  
  AIUI blot cutters tend to be something of an all or thing thing. With cheap locks they are the quickest method but high end locks can resist them.
  Grinders are slower but will work their way through almost anything if you have the patience.
  
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They should take it one step further by kimvette · 2016-10-22 01:45 · Score: 1

They should take it a step further and include an anesthetic that will knock out the thief for a couple hours, since time is a thief's worst enemy.

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It's fine until someone has an allergic reaction by mark_reh · 2016-10-22 02:30 · Score: 1

and goes into shock and maybe dies from exposure to the chemical. It might be the thief or an innocent bystander. Or maybe someone reacts to the chemical and backs away into oncoming traffic and gets hit by a truck. This is no different than booby-trapping your house with a shotgun pointed at the door. It won't stand up in court. The company making the lock, the principals of the company, and the person who put the lock on their bike will all be sued and probably jailed.
Only bicycles? by John.Banister · 2016-10-22 03:39 · Score: 1

I wonder if these people could make a locking gas cap.
...or a shim by edxwelch · 2016-10-22 03:41 · Score: 1

http://www.lockpicking101.com/...
Other People by CanadianMacFan · 2016-10-22 05:06 · Score: 1

I feel sorry for other people that have to unlock bicycles such as the police, fire department, and city workers when bicycles are locked up in the wrong places or look like they've been abandoned.
Already thought of two counter measures by Maxo-Texas · 2016-10-22 06:11 · Score: 1

I just read the heading and I've already thought of two ways to beat this.
Oh wait, two more since i started the heading.
I'm not going to list them but this is pretty trivial to beat.
Meanwhile, you've created a way for any member of the general public to release vomit inducing gas in theaters, restaurants, and any other crowded spaces.

--
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1. Re:Already thought of two counter measures by RockDoctor · 2016-10-27 08:15 · Score: 1
  
  the compressed gas is perfectly safe -- and can only be released "by trying to cut through it with an angle grinder."
  My first thought was "bottle jack". Which is, apparently, the tool of choice amongst the bike-thieving fraternity, being almost silent, pocketable, and highly effective.
  Personally, I take the "this bike isn't worth 100 â-$-Â£-yen" approach. Or I don't leave my bike. Which since I use my good bike to travel on, isn't a problem. And for going somewhere to do something (out of sight of the bike), I use the $Â£â100 bike. My bike lock is worth about 5â$Â£.
  
  --
  Birds are not dinosaur descendants;birds are dinosaurs, for all useful meanings of "birds", "are" and "dinosaurs"
Yeah. That's a lawsuit waiting to happen. by Chas · 2016-10-22 07:18 · Score: 1

Or, if parked in the "wrong" place, a national security threat.

--

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Obligatory Robocop reference by Yvan256 · 2016-10-22 09:32 · Score: 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
So, what is the chemical? by Mike+Van+Pelt · 2016-10-24 07:12 · Score: 1

I can think of a few possibilities. More possibilities are easily obtained at Derek Lowe's marvelous web page, "Things I Won't Work With", including one chemical that not much is known about, because when the reaction takes place "that's when people start diving out windows and vomiting into wastebaskets, and the quality of the data tends to deteriorate."