A Startling Attempt to Deter Truck Thefts in New Orleans Raises Safety Concerns
Officials advise against installing nontraditional anti‑theft devices that could put people at risk. Yet a recent incident in New Orleans drew attention for its unusual and unsettling approach. A pickup owner, who has faced multiple thefts in a short span, opted to leave a startling surprise inside the vehicle in an effort to deter thieves—an item described as a tranquilizer grenade placed within a storage compartment in the center console.
The placement created a moment of light and a loud, explosive sound when accessed, intended to deter intruders in a tightly confined space. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a thief reaching through a broken window to search the interior, momentarily exposing the intruder to the device before the explosion occurred. The assailant quickly moved back through the window and attempted to escape in a waiting white sedan.
As events unfolded, the device did not keep the truck from sustaining a broken window and likely caused additional damage to the vehicle’s interior. This incident occurs amid a broader trend of rise in vehicle thefts in the area, with the police department noting a notable increase in car thefts recently. The city and its residents are reminded to consider safety, legality, and the potential consequences of retaliatory actions when confronted with repeat thefts.
Photo, video: YouTube — attribution to local authorities and reporters is acknowledged in public records.