WATCH: Thief trying to steal car gets shocked by this trap

Not only was this thief gaslighted in the comments section, but quite literally by this trap in the car. 

This real life crime, straight out of the Tom and Jerry handbook, shows this criminal getting a taste of his own medicine after he attempted to steal from a car in this smash and grab.

It is very common for these roadside thefts to occur, however, very rarely does the victim clap back or have their preventative measures work. 

Read More: Huge heist has suspects fleeing the scene empty-handed

This stunt truly had us speechless. We were at the edge of our seats wondering what the culprit would steal. 

Then BAM...

Watch what happens below:

This perpetrator  may have gone up in smoke, but what's really blowing up is this video reposted to Twitter by @wdsu.

The video shows a thief in a balaclava getting out his vehicle, smashing the window of a bakkie, and entering via the window. 

His endeavour comes to an abrupt end when a booby trap is let off. 

A 'boobie trap' is an apparently harmless object containing a concealed explosive device designed to detonate when someone touches it.

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The comments have been interesting:

• "Citizens urge NOPD to do a better job so they don't have to take matters into their own hands."
• "Definitely don't use a flash bang trainer device that takes shells."
  
• "NOPD urges residents not to break into other peoples cars (fixed it for you)"
• "Flash Bang AFTER breaking the window? That's like... do I have to say it? ... probably... locking the barn after the horses have escaped."
  
• "What if you hurt the poor innocent criminal who seems to value your possessions more than their own life? Think about the poor criminal's well-being and just leave the keys on the hood so they can take everything without a hassle."
  
• "When the law fails to put criminals away, citizens will find other ways to protect their property."
  
• "I'm not quite sure how this qualifies as "taking it into your own hands." Looks like a pretty decent security system to me. Thief wasn't harmed except for temporary blindness, and the truck is safe."

However, a statement has been released regarding the incident: 

As you can see, the members of the public are conflicted by the owner of the vehicle's actions. 

Was he wrong or right? Only the court can tell... 

Read More: OUTRAGE: "No grandmother should have to enter a drum to cross a river"- Maimane

Image courtesy of wdsu / Twitter 

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