Re: guns and rifles:
A cop friend said the law does not look favorably at someone shooting a person unless you are in immediate danger and can call it self defense. In other words shooting someone because he is stealing your truck may land you in jail and, worse, you may also be liable for damages. Sorry but that's the way this crazy system works.
Also, thieves are very patient and very stealthy themselves. I had a bicycle stolen from my yard just yesterday. And in broad daylight while I was in the house. Never heard a thing. Dog didn't even bark. We suspect the neighbor's delinquent son or his friends. We figure that's why the dog didn't bark. Can't prove it though.
With that said, I still keep a loaded pistol in my bedroom. Never know what crazy thing I may do if I see someone stealing my vehicles...