Are those exploding packages legal? Ask the Lawyer

Q: Have seen a bunch of videos where “porch pirates” pick up a box and on their way out, it explodes. They get a dye on them — it looks like — and smoke, and sometimes it gets on their cars. Are those exploding packages legal?
D.H., Hacienda Heights
Ron Sokol
A: I have seen some of those videos as well. My reaction is that if someone is stealing from your porch, they should not be able to complain if if turns out to be a booby trap. I also read, if the report is accurate,