A few years ago, had some knobs make an attempt to steal gas and fuel from some ag equipment. Some of it was under wireless camera surveillance, and I got an alert that there was movement.
I went over, saw a truck on the road in front of the gate (gate has a large chain and padlock). I parked just below the crest of the hill beyond, and proceeded on foot to the equipment, very stealthily. I sneaked in and found a good spot and sat there for about 15 minutes. Was in an fairly obvious spot and when the one guy saw he literally fell backwards on his ass and held his hands up. Of course I had the 12ga Mossberg for defense in case things went south....they were hot footing out without their freshly liquidated go-fast juice, right into the waiting arms of the sheriff's deputy that I thoughtfully had called on my little hike in.
While security cams may not be an answer, they work for me. I have some wireless units that can be mounted within certain distance, have some electricity out there, and a t mobile wireless modem for 'net. Have an app that alerts me with a screenshot of whatever makes movement on a cam. Usually a deer, sometimes *****, and once, a bobcat. Only ever had the 3 shitheads that were caught redhanded trying to steal gas...I guess word spreads.
Personally, I think thieves ought to be hung, but that is me.
Bastards cut the fuel lines and that amounted to close to 2 grand in parts and my time. 12ga slugs are a lot cheaper, but one has to catch em before they take bolt cutters to stuff...
Oh well, at least I was there before they put the jugs of gas in their truck and hauled it off.
I doubt I'd shoot someone for cutting my cats off my trucks, but they would be sporting some serious black eye and bloody noses, for sure. I don't mind a good scrap or two..