[ckchainz]

I was wondering what rights I have when an umwanted person is on my property. Over the last couple months, suspicious persons have been seen in my neighborhood. Today, my dogs started barking at a man in my backyard. He hopped the fence to my front yard and wondered off. He had a large pack with him with most likely stolen goods from other houses. I was wondering what rights I have if I catch him on my property again with the intent to steal. Is the law different if he hasn't entered my house yet? Do I have to wait for him to enter my house before I can use force? Is it possible for me to detain him, and with what force can I use?
thanks

[GreatGadsby]

what state are you in?

[ckchainz]

Colorado

[aaron]

Is it safe to assume that you have notified the police of these prior events?

[ckchainz]

I thought about it, but no. Next time I will though. Do I need to notify the police before I can take action myself?

[aaron]

If you use force against somebody, and try to claim that it was because prior events left you in fear, it is likely that you will be called upon to explain why you didn't think that those prior incidents even merited a call to the police.