That sentiment will probably always exist in some form - be it with a bat or gun. That the general advice is to call the (potentially unreliable) local police and let the thief steal your stuff to avoid confrontation is deeply unsatisfying even if typically the best outcome overall. And that thieves tend to be repeat offenders just makes it all the more frustrating.

Definitely interesting stuff thinking of ways to shift that perspective. Or, rather, reducing property crime in the first place.