Burglars generally want two things- get your stuff and get out. I suggest if they've taken it as far as breaking into your house, and you can't scare them away

Burglars generally want two things- get your stuff and get out. I suggest if they've taken it as far as breaking into your house, and you can't scare them away (maybe something that _sounds_ like a shotgun getting cocked), you let them get away. (Burglary implies you're not home- this is more robbery and home invasion at this point). Losing a $3000 laptop is substantially cheaper than a $30,000 hospital bill and ambulance ride after you get lacerated from the knife they're carrying. If you're having trouble with the math, consider that you lose the $3000 laptop in both cases. That's also assuming you're not more seriously injured or killed by trying to impede them. What multiple of $3000 is your life worth to you?