I would be glad I didn't catch them in the act. I'd hate for someone to get shot for food. Yes they should be prosecuted. They can get three hots and a cot in jail.

Not really an ethical conundrum. Would there be a difference if that same person went into a grocery store and stole food? I usually use the example of... you leave the house for work in the morning and come home to find an illegal immigrant in your house. They had cut the lawn, painted the house, cleaned the house and were in the process of making you dinner. you call the police and they say "but look at all I did for you." They still broke into your house and snuck into the country. The person who broke into your house to steal food could have gone to a free food bank or soup kitchen. What if they broke into your house and got bit by your dog and sued you? No ethical conundrum. Yes there should be no starving people, but no they don't get to commit crime to eat. Would the alternative be yes, if you're hungry just break into any house at any time?

Wouldn't even call the police.....in fact,I own Nothing I couldn't live without, except my dogs, haven't for decades. Things are just things.

It has happened to me. And no, if someone is hungry enough to steal food he/she is welcome to it.

I would try to find out who did the act, recommend a serious antibacterial, then invite them back to clean the oven.

I would absolutely report the violation to police if you are as it appears in the USA. Prosecution would depend on the circumstances. Police need to know where to concentrate patrols. Such easy access to your home is a warning to you to increase security.

Well, it could have been a hungry critter.

Like cattle mutilations?

(I was always impressed that cell culture papers reported the use of Fetal Calf Serum to grow their cells).

It would depend upon the fact if the burglar was a cannibal.

Most likely not.

I mean, it would be very hard for me to know nothing was stolen except food. I have a lot of collectables, and it would be quite difficult to verify everything was still there. Also, the more food you have to rebuy, the less Magic cards you can buy with your leftover money, so it's basically like they stole Magic cards from me, and that makes me want to skin people alive.
All that side though, my security measures mean they would probably be caught in the act and it wouldn't really be my choice after that.

Need to find them, prosecute as needed, feed them as needed , depends on the situation.

Prosecution.
Regardless, if action is not taken then your home becomes the target for repeat offenses.
"Feral Cat Syndrome"= successfully fed once, will return and bring friends.

The answer to that question for me would depend upon what was destroyed to allow them entry into my place. Destroy my property and you become my enemy quickly.

Food? NO! Missing alcoholic beverages would require serious consideration of legal options however!

Probably not, unless they took way too much. I was once asked why I hadn't locked my car after a trip to the grocer and I just said, I figure anyone stealing food probably needs it.

Wouldn’t anyone? It’s usually teenagers and young kids that do that.