Woman Uses Wall of HIV-Tainted Needles to Scare Burglars

A doctor in Brazil installed a wall of needles filled with HIV-positive blood at her home to ward off burglars. (TV Globo)

Now this is a bizarre way to scare away burglars.

Most people use scary dogs or high-tech home alarm systems to protect their homes. But a doctor in the Federal District of Brasilia, Brazil decided on an unusual alternative: HIV-tainted needles.

The doctor, who says she grew tired of burglars pilfering her home while she was away at work, installed a wall of needles tainted with HIV-positive blood. She also put up a cardboard sign in front of her home with an ominous message, “Wall with HIV-positive Blood. Do Not Jump,” according to TV Globo in Brazil, who did not identify the doctor.

About a third of all people living in HIV/AIDS in Latin America live in Brazil, according to USAID.

It’s unclear whether her trick has worked. But at least would-be burglars don’t have to encounter loud dogs.

Watch the TV Globo report here.