South African anti hijacking device

["Chao, Harvey" <harvey.chao@xxxxxxxx>]

A short time ago, there was mention on the list of a South African anti
hijacking device installed on BMWs.  

Last night on the channel 2 FOX news ( Oakland CA) there was a brief
demonstration of this device.  They showed a parked BMW with a clothed store
mannequin perhaps 3-4 feet from the passenger door.  The device was
triggered and it was VERY impressive - streaming vertical flames ( talk
about "flaming" ! - gives new meaning to the word!!) higher than the roof
and perhaps 4-5 feet wide.  

After a brief burst of flame, it was shut down and a man appeared with a
bucket of water to douse the flames on what clothing was left on the
mannequin (precious little).

There is no way I could conceive of that device being allowed in the US, but
it sure looked effective - I'd say this, no car hijacker would be able to
try twice, after the first time, he'd be toast!

Harvey

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