Ecoterrorists Slashed VA Neighborhood SUV Tires, Left Environmental Justice Manifesto for Owners

Unfortunately, it is not legal in most jurisdictions to protect property using deadly force. I don't agree with that policy, but that's how it works nearly everywhere in the USA. The only exception I'm aware of is Texas, and there the exceptions are VERY limited. If the vandals and thieves knew they were putting themselves at risk of serious bodily harm or death for plying their trade, perhaps there would be fewer of them willing to do so.

Lt Col Mark Avery - It was sarcasm, sir...

Of course. Still unfortunate that it's not permitted. Would be a significant deterrent.

I recently heard that a guy in Tennessee once was told by a Deputy that he couldn't shoot a second man who was taking a bat to the first guy's car - it was only 'property'.
So the first guy left, went home, got his bulldozer to drive three blocks to push the second guys truck off a bluff.
The same deputy that refused to stop the second man's batting practice (the deputy's cousin) was sent by the sheriff to 'resolve the truck off the bluff' complaint.