@SkipErnst: Nah! I have a garden hose, and I'm not afraid to use it!

@MOCKBA: This works only in deserts, costs 4 million dollars and is good for 2 households.

@Joseph Paul Johnston II: This is about paranoia that any new energy technology will be ruthlessly suppressed by Big Oil, and the inventor killed or made to disappear.

@LombardoJoe: Paintball not good enough for you?

@Platypus Man: There is virtue in returning the important personal data that has no monetary value. I'll give you that. I agree that the thief wasn't motivated by the desire to ruin the professor's life.

@iamjames: "Here's to hoping California wakes up someday"

@RoboticSpacePenguin: Yes, several possible. Only @joelbitar: knows for sure which one!

@joelbitar: From the replies, it looks like quite a few humans wish they could do the robot.

@iamjames: "At 17 she was legal to have sex with anyone she wanted. "

@NotSure2010: The father went over the line. Should he be in court - yes.

@ItsMeMasih: Amen!

@blyan-reloaded: Yes, the attack on you was much smaller scale. Let's say that this was a decently-organized job.

@Platypus Man: I think it more likely that thieves just want money, not a particular gadget. The owner may have lucked out this time. But if a random thief can't use your personal info, he might sell/pawn the hardware to somebody who might.

@CrispyAardvark: I was also a bit surprised by the "fingerprint" comment on the OP.

@say592: This!

@Kingbob387: Not that it helps much. The card numbers are already compromised. Your aunt should have canceled them ASAP. Getting the piece of plastic back provides a false sense of security.

@qban.boi.84: Humor fail.

@moonshadowkati: I don't blame the town full of ceramic makers who failed to figure this out.

@moonshadowkati: I'm on your side.

@Freezen: Excellent points!