Today we have LoJack to catch laptop thieves, but back in 1961 stopping a robber from running off with your briefcase was a tad more challenging. In this classic “Beat the Bandit” clip from British Pathe, three men demonstrate an anti-theft briefcase called the Arrestor. Thieves trying to run off with this case would get a few very nasty surprises. The clip does not mention how the system is activated, but once it is it makes life very difficult for the burglar.

A loud siren begins to wail, the handle clamps down on the thief’s fingers, and three twelve-foot-long metal poles shoot out which make it impossible to enter a vehicle or go through a doorway. The only way to shut off the alarms, release the thief’s hand and retract the poles is to open the case with its key. Of course, modern thieves would probably sue for wrongful imprisonment, but we still think this is a top-notch idea for deterring thefts.

The post Hands Off! Vintage Anti-Theft Briefcase Used Shock and Ow first appeared on Gajitz.

Lots of homes have security systems, but the need to protect our houses and belongings isn’t new. Burglar alarms have been used since humans first moved into caves, ranging from the extremely low-tech to today’s ultra-sophisticated systems. These three antique burglar alarms may not feature motion detecting cameras or heat-activated sensors, but they’re all ingenious in their own way.

This alarm was made in the 1870s and, despite looking simple, was quite effective in announcing an intruder. After winding it up, the user would simply set the lever upright and place the small end of the wedge under the door. If the door were forced open, the level would be forced down, sounding a very loud alarm bell.

George Pratt’s “Patented Burglar Alarm and Animal Trap” was an 1880s device meant to scare the bejeezus out of anyone, human or animal, who attempted to enter a restricted area. The cap gun was attached to a trip wire, and when an intruder moved the wire the gun made a loud, scary sound, similar to a bullet being fired.

As far as burglar alarms go, this one from 1939 seems almost pleasant; it’s English, and comes with the typical English charm. When tripped, the gramophone dials a pre-set phone number and plays a pre-recorded message (presumably something very polite).

The post Charming Alarms: 3 Venerable Vintage Intruder Alarms first appeared on Gajitz.