Mark's Halloween Candy Theft Prank

Overview

• Mark has set up various inventive booby traps to deter people from stealing multiple pieces of Halloween candy from bowls left with a "take one" sign.
• Pranks include:
  • Silly string deployment
  • Collapsible tables
  • Toothbrush swaps for candy bars
  • Human hands stopping thieves
  • Wanted posters of thieves posted around the neighborhood

Problem Statement

• Often, entire bowls of candy left out for trick-or-treaters are emptied by individuals not respecting the instructions to take only one piece.
• Mark aims to address this issue by pranking those who take more than their fair share.

Enlisting Expert Help

• Mark collaborates with Jimmy Kimmel, known for Halloween pranks, to brainstorm ideas.

Prank Setup and Testing

• Various prank ideas tested and executed safely with consideration for child safety.
• Key contraptions:
  • Remote-triggered spinning candy bowl
  • Table with weight sensors to collapse when too much candy is taken
  • Mulch Man scare tactics
  • Baby monitor system for real-time surveillance
  • Concealed audio intercoms and ultrasonic speakers for psychological effects

Advanced Strategies

• Distributed setup across multiple houses for coordinated pranks.
• Use of facial recognition and distributed network of Raspberry Pi devices for sophisticated tracking and response, including printing posters.
• Emotionally manipulative tactics using candy replacements and staged broadcasts.

Execution

• Set up on 35 porches across the U.S. with monitoring from a command center.
• Real-time reactions and adjustments made based on observed behaviors.

Conclusion

• Successful deterrence and pranking of candy thieves.
• Promotion of gratitude and fairness, even amidst humorous revenge.

Personal Promotion

• Mark promotes CrunchLabs Build Box subscription, a monthly engineering toy kit for fostering hands-on learning in young people, suggesting it as a holiday gift.
• Encourages participation in CrunchLabs activities, promising fun and educational benefits.

This playful yet serious approach aims not only at preventing candy theft but also at teaching important lessons in respect and sharing, using inventive engineering solutions.