What is sting operation?

Can an individual, who is not a cop , set-up his own type of sting operation?

• Like the majority of the individuals out there I hate criminals. Call me crazy, but setting up my own special type of sting operation is something I always wanted to do. What kind of Sting operation would I do? Well, quite Simply, I would make my vehicle look really vulnerable (maybe have the front window rolled half way down and have a set of car keys out in the open - or - have a huge amount of cash on the dashboard). Anyways, I'll hide behind a tree or something of that nature (within 20 feet of my vehicle) , and just wait for a thief to embark on my vehicle. Once a person has embarked on my vehicle (like stealing the cash off my dashboard), I'll then quickly go over to the thief and "F" him up (make him scared sh!tless) - or - on a more rational idea, simply make a citizens arrest. A noteworthy thing to add is that I am a fairly tough guy myself, so I am not really scared if a confrontation happens, but to be on the safe side I'll always carry a baseball bat with me (obviously I won't physically use the bat, it would be more for intimidation purposes) Any thoughts???

• Answer:

  There are such things as citizens' arrests, but for legal as well as personal safety reasons I'd call the cops as well and let them take the lead in actually apprehending the crook.