Originally Posted by
oldred
Unfortunately that too is a booby trap and unfair that it may seem (unfair it is actually) it would be illegal and a very dangerous thing to do. If the perp is injured in any way, hit in the eyes for instance, or even just wanted to try and collect for damages he could cause the owner a world of hurt! You might even be able to get a conviction based on the dye but likely only for trespassing (remember he will be hit BEFORE he actually commits the crime!) while the owner would be liable for any sustained injuries, phony or otherwise, plus they could be charged with setting the booby trap.
Fellas all these get even feel good stories are all a recipe for disaster, like it or not setting a trap, any kind of trap that could potentially cause injury (and yes dye or ink would be an injury) is just not legal and would likely cause the owner far more trouble than the perp would suffer. Some of these guys are very much aware of how the law is written pertaining to traps and if you catch one of those guys he could very well take you for a ride -a very expensive ride! All these suggestions of traps such as even the dye are REALLY BAD ideas no matter how much someone wants to believe otherwise, don't believe me? Just talk with a lawyer or call the county prosecutors office, calling the police could get you some really poor advice so go higher than that and at least call that prosecutors office.