>And now I have to enter the discussion.
>
>If someone breaks into my Vanagon, breaks the steering lock, hot wires
>it (or picks the ignition lock) and drives it even a foot, they have
>'stolen' my van. Intent doesn't enter into the discussion. I do not
>care if their 'intent' was to show me that it could be done. If they
>leave a 'calling card' they are just plain stupid.
>
>In this case, even if it only takes thirty seconds to fix the damage,
>it is still a trespass and a theft of someone's time.  I'm sure that
>the federal law enforcement officials would feel the same way. They
>tend to take cracking *very* seriously.
>
>Prosecute the bastard!!!

This is getting a bit OT! 8-)

If I leave my keys in my Vanagon and leave the doors swinging with
the engine running and someone removes the keys, locks the doors, leaves
a message on the windscreen and surreptitiously drops the keys into
my pocket, I'll be grateful to them. Next time I won't park in a
dodgy neighbourhood & be so lax about security.

I'm sure you're right about the letter of the law, but considering
the circumstances ....

Pete C

--
Peter Cassidy,                   pcassidy@apple.com
Sr. Dev. Engineer                 +353-21-4284316
WW Operations Engineering
Apple, Cork, Ireland.