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WATT VAN MAN
Electrician wires van to zap thieves with 1,000-volt shock if they try to break in and police say it’s legal
AN electrician has wired his van so would-be tool thieves get a 1,000- volt shock if they try to break in.
Ray Taylor, 61, took the drastic step after losing more than £5,000 worth of equipment in two years — and police say his device is legal.
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It is part of an alarm system he fitted in his Citroen Dispatch that triggers a siren and sound bombs.
Ray, of Wolverhampton, said: “If the sirens don’t scare them off the shock will. They’ll get a zap.”
Thieves are in for a shock if they try to break in to an electrician’s van — a jolt from a “live” door handle.
They will also set off a siren and two fire alarm-like sound bombs.
Together they cause a 120 decibel din — equivalent to a jumbo jet taking off.
Ray said: “It’s solved all my problems, so I can sleep easy.
“The shock isn’t going to do any lasting damage but it will make you jump a bit.”
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CLEAR WARNING SIGN
He fitted a 1,000-volt zapper from a fly swatter to a metal plate in the rear door handle of his white Citroen Dispatch.
It means the shock is isolated to the handle and the rest of the van is not live.
The siren, sound bombs, zapper and a strobe light are on the same circuit which is fitted to a switch in the cabin.
The switch is connected to the rear door key.
When the van is locked if someone tries to pull at the handle it activates.
Sensors fitted to all the van’s doors also trigger the circuit.
Ray, of Wolverhampton, said cops told him it was legal provided he put up a clear warning sign.
Hell of a shock
CURRENT affairs reporter Ivor Watt put the van to the test.
He said: “As I yanked the back door handle the circuit buzzed, sparks flew and the current jolted into my hand.
“My arm jerked back as electricity flowed to my elbow and out of my little finger.
"The alarm pierced my ears. I left.”
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"He has a yellow note under the handle warning: “Danger Live Terminals”.
Ray has copyrighted his design and is charging £380 to fit similar systems.
West Midlands Police said they would not endorse using such tactics.
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Thief confronted by victim who uses the tools stolen from his van to smash up getaway car
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