Carbon Dioxide as a theft deterrent?

Question

I would like some ideas on how to incorporate the release of CO2 into my place of business when the alarm is tripped.

I had an alarm system, but the theives cut the power and the phone lines and then disabled the siren before gainind access to the pharmacy. The cops found it when they made their check and saw the front door off the hinges.

Answer 1

You could use it in some sort of decoy method. Post a sign that says "gas release on illegal entry" and wire it so that after the alarm system is tripped, CO2 canisters go off. Then find some way to amplify the noise so that it sounds like the place just turned into a WWI battlefield with mustard gas everywhere. Or if you rigged it up so it simulated a fire, with fog acting as smoke, and red and orange lights flickering. But you might want to check into the legality of all of that. Why don't you just get a normal alarm system? Or a big scary Doberman?

Answer 2

Is that a good idea at all? First and foremost, if you don`t trap the thief inside, he`ll be gone before CO2 can even fill the room. If you`re thinking of using a gas trap, sleeping gas should yield better results. But there`s still that problem of not having the thief trapped inside first before the gas is released.

I understand that after the CO2 level rises to a certain level, anyone inside the building will have trouble respirating. But since it chokes the intruder, this method is quite inhumane.

Answer 3

Rather than a discharge of a potentially fatal gas, consider the use of a fast-acting anesthetic gas to render an intruder unconscious.

Answer 4

I suggest using something less expensive like nitrogen, or something more immediately debilitating like tear gas. That said, you are better off spending the money on keeping people out then killing them once they get in. Barring ethical issues it will cost you less in the long run, cause every time someone breaks in you need to recharge your system.

Answer 5

in most places this would be illegal.. it is considered a booby-trap.. and it is potentially lethal to an intruder. Do you think ANYTHING in your place of business is worth more than one life?

otherwise... you might want to check into the Halon release systems designed to protect computers during an electrical fire.

Answer 6

you really need to talk with an attorney. even if a criminal breaks in, you are responsible that your place of business is safe so they are not harmed after they break in.

i don't make the laws, just am familiar with them.

Answer 7

it is dumb how you are responsible for an intruder's welfare.... if i ran the legal system those asswads that break in to steal my stuff shouldnt be able to sue me if they slipped on my floor....