# It's perfectly okay for someone to steal your belongings? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 17, 2013, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158 "2013-06-17T02:44:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/1 "2013-06-17T02:44:40Z")
Rather than hijack this thread [Why do you own a gun? - In My Humble Opinion - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=693969) I have a question about a specific statement by the OP. Or rather his cousin, about whom he says "My cousin once told me the reason he doesn’t have a gun is because he wants to use his head if the situation arises and not simply resort to his firearm. If he was being robbed, he would simply say, “take it.” I agree with him on this point. I find it astonishing and unacceptable that it’s simply okay for someone to come in and take others’ hard earned belongings and that they have no rights or recourse (in some people’s opinions) to protect what they’ve earned, because others don’t believe in the tools that would be necessary to protect those belongings. ---
**Author:** ![runningdude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e9c0ed/32.png) [@runningdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/runningdude)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/2 "2013-06-17T02:47:09Z")
What “hard earned” item is worth the life of another human being? Would you feel good about yourself for a killing a man over an iPhone or other trinket? ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/3 "2013-06-17T02:57:00Z")
It’s not “okay.” It’s just knowing when to pick your battles. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/4 "2013-06-17T03:24:34Z")
Count me in on that thought. It’s not that it’s “ok” to take my things, it’s more a case that I don’t care enough about “things” (that are covered by insurance anyway) to kill someone over, and I don’t want the risk of having a gun used against me, making a mistake or otherwise have something bad happen with a gun being readily accessible in the house. ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/5 "2013-06-17T03:26:35Z")
What **runningdude** said. Ain’t shit I ever have or ever will own worth killing somebody over. It’s _stuff_, ffs, it can be replaced. That’s what insurance is there for. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/6 "2013-06-17T03:36:21Z")
The issue of when it’s appropriate to _have_ a gun is not the same as when it’s appropriate to _use_ a gun: I think it’s probably a bad idea to have a gun. It probably isn’t going to have the effect that you desire on your and your loved ones’ safety. I also think that if you’ve made the decision to have a gun in your home or on your person, you should by all means _use it_ if you’re the victim of a violent crime, which I consider to include robbery or burglary of an occupied residence (it’s not about the stuff there, but about the fact that you should get to feel as if your home is very personal space, almost an extension of your self; I would even support laws to hold burglars responsible for one count of assault for each person lawfully present a burglarized residence). I don’t think someone who has made what may be an erroneous decision about their safety should have to just stand there and accept it when a improbable event happens. If you have a gun, use it if the situation calls for a gun. If you didn’t wear a seatbelt, hey, by all means survive the rare bad crash that would have killed a belted-in person. If the UN invades and puts people in camps, you know what, that hidden bunker with 20 years of food is gonna come in handy. Sometimes improbable things happen and people benefit from having made a less good decision earlier. So no, I don’t think it’s “perfectly okay” for someone to steal my stuff (and I’m baffled as to how someone could come to an honest conclusion that the quoted post says that), but I think that it would be, on balance, a bad decision for me to own “the tools that would be necessary to protect” me from being assaulted by someone invading my personal space to steal my things. ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/7 "2013-06-17T04:12:34Z")
There’s quite a bit of space between “perfectly okay” and “completely unacceptable.” I may allow someone to take my stuff rather than kill them (not to imply that I am at all likely to be in such a situation), but that doesn’t mean I’m happy about it. I would not attempt to use a gun for protection, but I don’t see that as a reason not to own them. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/8 "2013-06-17T04:29:16Z")
Call the police :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/9 "2013-06-17T04:47:33Z")
I’ll point out a problem at the other end of the spectrum. If I caught a burglar in my place, I would be mad as hell. I’d easily be mad enough to kill the s.o.b. I’d fly right off the handle, and empty the damn clip into the bastard’s face. And… I’d likely face legal investigation for it. (And rightly!) So, rather than get myself into that kind of trouble, it’s just a whole lot wiser not to have a gun in the house at all. ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/10 "2013-06-17T04:49:53Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > I’ll point out a problem at the other end of the spectrum. If I caught a burglar in my place, I would be mad as hell. I’d easily be mad enough to kill the s.o.b. I’d fly right off the handle, and empty the damn clip into the bastard’s face. > > And… I’d likely face legal investigation for it. (And rightly!) So, rather than get myself into that kind of trouble, it’s just a whole lot wiser not to have a gun in the house at all. Well said, Trinopus. ---
**Author:** ![DataX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@DataX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataX)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/11 "2013-06-17T04:59:01Z")
Of course it’s not ok, but despite what people say on the Internet. I think someone braking in and stealing my shit is a lot less disturbing than me hearing a burglar, going down stairs, confronting him, possibly shooting him, hearing him gasp his last dying breath, having blood in my carpet, drywall, doorway, furniture, and then having to have all the shit replaced or cleaned up - and I think other people would have a problem with it too. I’d much rather lose my stuff than kill someone - even if justified. In all fairness - a friend of mines mother did use a firearm to protect herself - and I’m glad she had it as it most likely would have turned out poorly otherwise. But I think in many circumstances - it’s easier for people not to have to worry about that stuff. Sure if you have a gun you always have the option not to use it, but I think some don’t really think it’s worth the trouble. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/12 "2013-06-17T05:02:10Z")
One thing the NRA has accomplished: I’m now more inclined to buy a gun, to protect myself against _ **them** _. I do believe people have the right to protect themselves, but frankly, I wouldn’t object if the Second Amendment were repealed. And it’s the recent arguments by the NRA that has changed me on that. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/13 "2013-06-17T05:57:26Z")
> [@DataX](#): > > . . . a friend of mines mother did use a firearm to protect herself . . . And old SCA friend of mine once defended his home from a screaming lunatic at the door – with a replica Frankish throwing axe! ---
**Author:** ![stoplight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@stoplight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stoplight)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/14 "2013-06-17T06:16:12Z")
apples and oranges. Somebody attempts to rob me on the street, car jack me, I basically step out of the way and give them whatever they want. That same guy comes into my house, we got us a much different situation. Few years back some whack job neighbor on drugs starts pounding on my front door at midnight demanding I come outside. My wife on the phone with the Police, I am on the other side of the door with my ultra carry. He stays on the other side of the door he lives to see another day. He comes through my door I end him on the spot. Even on drugs some part of him new better then to come through the door. ---
**Author:** ![Frylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/15 "2013-06-17T09:17:42Z")
Curious: Are people in Britain less likely to be killed when they are robbed than people in the US? ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/16 "2013-06-17T09:44:42Z")
> [@Frylock](#): > > Curious: Are people in Britain less likely to be killed when they are robbed than people in the US? No cite as I’m at work and on my phone, but my understanding is that burglaries here are rarely violent, and burglars are unlikely to have guns. It’s also the case that we don’t really have the right to use force to defend property. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/17 "2013-06-17T09:56:36Z")
> [@stoplight](#): > > Somebody attempts to rob me on the street, car jack me, I basically step out of the way and give them whatever they want. > > That same guy comes into my house, we got us a much different situation. This seems quite correct to me. I’m curious. Among those advocating handguns to defend from muggers, would you be likely to deploy your weapon when being robbed, especially if the mugger already had a deadly weapon aimed at you? ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/18 "2013-06-17T10:26:24Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > It’s also the case that we don’t really have the right to use force to defend property. Any force at all or deadly force? I think Americans only have the right to use deadly force to defend property in one state (Texas). But they can use force in a lot more (all?) states. ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/19 "2013-06-17T10:45:11Z")
> [@runningdude](#): > > What “hard earned” item is worth the life of another human being? That depends on the human being. Personally, I think that if you’re willing to prey upon the innocent in this manner, the world is better off without you. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2013, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158/20 "2013-06-17T10:46:10Z")
OK? Of course not. That’s a crazy interpretation. But the risks of packing heat outweigh the costs of anything I own. I can easily see myself shooting myself in the leg or foot, forgetting to lock it up, or losing it…because I’m a clumsy absent-minded fool who has no busy carrying around a lethal weapon. Not to mention, I have a hard enough time fishing my keys out of my tote bag. I don’t have the reflexes or the dexterity to whip out a gun in a snap. So it would be rather pointless. I live in the city, in a urban residential neighborhood. There is plenty of property crime here. Perhaps it’s because I don’t have strong attachments to my stuff that I don’t live in constant fear of it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-perfectly-okay-for-someone-to-steal-your-belongings/661158.md?page=2)