Originally Posted by Trollheart

I guess the idea used to be that, if someone leaned out of their window and shouted "Ho! You there! What are you at, my fine fellow? Desist immediately or I shall be constrained to inform the local constabulary!" (or words to that effect) it might dissuade him from robbing the car. Of course, as you say now, and rightly, you're more likely to get beaten up, shot, knifed, or, possibly, beaten up, knifed and shot.