I think you've just identified positively the BEST reason to maintain a ton of clutter, or at least an elaborate collection of tchotchkes: prevention of this kind of friendly prank.

There was a similar prank done here in Olympia with aluminum foil a few years ago. I think it made national news at the time. I found an interview with the "prankster" along with photos here: http://www.blacktable.com/elder040114.htm