Someone is stealing beer out of my garage frig. How can I trick them without being sued?

Question

I recently discovered that someone (I'm assuming neighborhood kids) stole a case of beer and other types of alcohol out of the frig in the garage. First of all, I believe my housemate left the garage door open, and they didn't break in. That aside - I would like to figure out a way to "trick" them so they don't do it again. (for when said housemate forgets to shut the garage door next time)

I have considered food coloring in or on some bottles of booze left in the frig... But wondered if anyone has any really good ideas. I don't want to hurt them or make them sick, just give them red hands or something embarassing. thanks!

to further clarify:
1. Obviously any booze I add food coloring or whatever else to - I'm not going to drink. It will be the "marked" beer. And not blatantly marked, so anyone can tell.
2. I understand that the door should be locked, the booze could be somewhere else, etc. The key here is that there will be a time when the booze is out there, and the door isn't locked - and that is when I want to catch 'em.
3. They didn't steal anything else. there are very expensive tools, etc. in the garage, and they were still there.
4. I am not a drunk who forgot I drank my own beer. (I don't think anyone has suggested that, but before you do...)
5. If food coloring is a good answer, does anyone have an idea for a dark bottled CHEAP drink that I could put it in/on without it being obvious?

Answer 1

Buy bottled beer for a while. With twist tops. After every beer you drink fill it back up with water. Put the tops back on and put them back in a box like 11 in a 12 pack cause the box will be open. When they take them again, they will tote them all the way back to where they are gonna drink. They will be so excited, pop the tops and WATER!!!
Make sure the water 12 packs are up front in the fridge so they grab them.

You could put motion sensors in the garage too that make noise. They sell some in garden center like frogs or Party City type store. That would scare the crap out of them while they sneek in the dark. You will just get used to hearing it and won't notice it after a few days.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

this is a silly little idea that may or may not work:

you can make a pressure sensitive alarm really easily using disposable aluminum pie pans, some cheap electrical/speaker wire, some batteries and a cheap electronic buzzer from some radio shack. cut the edges of the pie pans so you have 2 flat discs, take strips of paper and make paper springs (if you don't know how, google it and you should find instructions...they're easy) and attach them upright to one side of a pie pan. glue or tape exposed wire to the pan and lead it to a good sized battery, or a couple of c or d size batteries would also work. Attach the second pan to the paper springs so that you can 'squish' the 2 pans together and make contact with the wires that connect to your power source. On the top pan, attach some more wire and lead it to a buzzer, light, or whatever so that when the two pans connect, a simple electrical circuit is made and the buzzer, light, etc. will power on. Place the pans under a light mat in front of the booze, making sure the other parts aren't in plain sight. Now when the kids or whoever is nabbing the booze steps on the mat, they'll get a little scare.

Answer 3

Don't trick them with food coloring or anything like that. The best way to keep people out of course it to leave the door up and place a lock on the refridgerator. If you do want to teach the kids a lesson (I would do the same) is to place a video camera up so that you're recording them as they steal it. Place it in a place where they won't see the camera, then once they're taped, confront the kids and let them know you're going to see their parents if they come back onto your property.

If you'd really like a play a trick on these kids and the parents are willing to go in on it to teach their kid a lesson, see if a police officer you know will play a part in the story as well. Have him come over to make the kids think they're going to jail for stealing and trespassing. That should do it if the kids have any sense in them.

Answer 4

Just go talk to the neighborhood parents. Tell them you are not positive that their kids took the beer, but to keep an eye on their kids. You will be a better neighbor as well by being sure you keep your garage door shut. Also, you might want to consider putting a lock on the fridge.

Answer 5

Someone already noted that you can be sued by not properly securing alcoholic beverages...and, by extension, allowing access to potentially underage consumers (thieves).

No tricks here. If one of these children takes a drink from one of YOUR bottles of beer, you may be liable for their consumption and the subsequent actions that may result from their drunkenness.

Bottom line. Find a new home for your beer. Then post a sign reading: WARNING: Beer may lead to erectile dysfunction!

Answer 6

So if you put food coloring on the cans or in the booze, how do YOU drink it? Whatever it's supposed to do to the kids will happen to you, right?

How about you just find a better place to store your booze? Oh, and look around the garage to see if there's anything else missing. If they'll steal booze, they'll take lawnmower gas, tools, or whatever else they find there.

Answer 7

Here it is from a perspective or a teenager who would hate this. Wait till they are stealing the products, and yell

"the police are on their way and you will be charged with tresspassing, i know who you are and where you live" (even when you arent calling the police and ahve to idea who it is)

it seriosuly will work, as a teenager, i have run into this before and ran my little butt all the way home and sat up scared in my bed all night. this will work, trust me

Answer 8

I would walk into my garage with two cases of beer as usual. Making sure that allot of people saw me. Close the door but don't lock it. Start drinking my beer as usual only now out of site in my garage, And when those kids come in to get my brew THEY WILL WISH THAT THEIR FATHERS NEVER MET THEIR MOTHERS WHEN I GOT FINISHED WITH THEM.

Answer 9

well if I was you (and I am not) I would drink the beer, if they are made of glass, then fill them up with pee, and close them back up like they were new. you have to do this careful tought. if they are made of aluminum I would make a hole at the bottom and put pee in them and then try to seel the little hole with something. Then put them in the fridge let them get cool open the garage and let them drink up. Or just buy a dummie camera

Answer 10

That is hilarious! My daughter asked Me what I was laughing about while im sitting here at the computer wondering why my Garage door wont open. I went from pissed off to laughing! Thank you!