If he's even inside, maybe he only has a claw hammer. AFAIK hammers are not yet required to be registered if the claw is 4" or shorter, and they can be used with nails that do not have a serial number imprinted on the head, even in Kalifornia. I do agree with Hal about what will happen if you advertise your... assets. It's a new day and age in post-Katrina New Orleans.