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Gaah.

I was tired when I wrote that post, and I guess my words got garbled in transmission from brain to keyboard. And now I'm not sure what the question I was trying to ask even was... only that it wasn't what I actually asked.

Yeah, I know using deadly force over a windshield is A Bad Idea, and I wouldn't do it. Apologies if I gave the opposite impression. Yeah, I'd try detaining the punks if I caught them at it again, but not by force or deadly force (force of anger, force of personality, maybe... ). If they took off running, they'd not be stopped.

It's late right now, and I'm too tired to even begin figuring out what the question I wanted to ask was; I don't wanna ask another question that I'll look at tomorrow and say, "Where'd THAT come from?"

Thanks for the ideas about the cameras/fake cameras, although believe it or not, some of them are more expensive than the windshield (which was $150).

This brings up an interesting situation we've had lately. Neighborhood punks have been partying in the vacant house next door. We've chased them off four or five times now, and have resorted to calling the police, and having them escort the teenagers home (and I'm assuming, ticketing the parents). The landowner is also not happy about these kids trashing the place, as he's trying to sell it, and (I think), has started pressing criminal trespass charges.

Needless to say, the punks are less than thrilled.

Last Monday, I came outside to find my windshield smashed. I've no idea which punk did it, as they took off and I didn't see the actual incident. However, this brings me to my question:

If I see someone committing such an act of vandalism against my property, am I justified in detaining them by force? To further complicate the question, here's two more details:
I park in the street, as the driveway already has a car, and
The punks in question are most probably minors.

Thanks in advance!

Thane.