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If you live in Texas you can use deadly force if "the land or property cannot be protected or recovered by any other means". Source: http://codes.findlaw.com/tx/penal-code/penal-sect-9-42.html

I've read but couldn't find again the story of someone shooting a tief to get back his VHS player and walk free.

The value of the property does not matter. They do not pose a lethal threat and therefor cannot be shot. At least, that's how it should be, I don't know legally.

You have zero right to kill someone for stealing.

In Texas you may make use of your weapon to stop the execution of a crime if you yourself are not also engaged in criminal activity. It's far larger than castle doctrine because it applies anywhere.

I'm not arguing for actually using the law to shoot people: I don't ever want to be in that situation myself, but I'm saying depending on the situation you do in fact have the law on your side.