That's not entirely accurate. It depends on where you are and what the video camera is recording.

I'm also not sure that creating a hoax device with the intention of surreptitiously recording individuals that also damages their property and releases a chemical agent would be considered strictly "a security camera".

Would be an interesting court case.

There can likely be no expectation of privacy trespassing on someone else's property.

but, for the package. Can you have an expectation of privacy when opening an unknown-thing? The device isn't recording until it is opened. I could see logical arguments on both sides. But, since the audio/visual recording doesn't start until they open the thing it might be on the safe-side of wiretap laws?

These are good questions, it's just my go-to line of thinking when I see surreptitious recording devices. Is this legal and is there liability?

Recording audio without two-party consent in my state is illegal and only just recently were there any court cases where recording police officers without their knowledge wasn't prosecuted as wiretapping.

I'm not sure you have an expectation of privacy with stolen goods.

Booby traps causing injury are illegal everywhere.

Calling a smell a "chemical agent" is just inflammatory. Everything is a chemical, sure, but there is no chemical reaction involved here. Would you call perfume a "chemical agent"? It's just something that smells bad.

The only danger would seem to be getting glitter in their eyes.

Someone could be allergic to this stink bomb, I know that it's unlikely, but you still have to consider that when thinking about possible liability issues

My intention isn't to be inflammatory, but booby-trapping an aerosol spray can to release a spray designed to make someone uncomfortable just isn't a smart thing to do. Even if you think you're getting one over on a thief.

If someone designed a trap to spray perfume on an unsuspecting person, I would describe it similarly.

It doesn't seem all that different to cash dye packs, really.

Ah sorry. I was imagining we were talking about the porch camera.