Is there really such a thing as citizen's arrest?

I have thieves that come and steal bicycles, fishing poles, a bastetball, stuff like that. But they ignore the hundreds of dollars worth of tools. For obvious reasons, I"m quite certain the thieves are kids. Regarding this, I asked Y!A once before if I could use Mace on them if I catch them in my yard. Not such a good idea. Too many legal repercussions. But what about a citizen's arrest? Is there such a thing anymore? How does it work. These kids might be afraid of the police, but what's to keep them from running away from me and laughing all the way home. I can't afford cameras and security. At best, I can install a motion detector light, and scare the bejeebers out of them when the light comes on. I'm a pretty tough gal when it comes to protecting what's mine and if these really are kids, I have no problem facing them, after all it's MY yard they're stealing from. Any advice will help. I hate this feeling of helplessness.

Please look at my other question on Y!A about fences and fence posts.

There is a such thing... I think they mostly occur in situations like yours where the crime happens inside your property. I'm pretty sure you can handcuff them but you can't use any kind of force that might injure them cuz you can be held liable. Also, don't collect evidence and don't try to read them their rights.

I suggest you call the police before you attempt to go out there and arrest them, that way you'll have a head start if things get ugly.

Good luck!

Yes

how about a big dog?

you can use whatever means you need to to protect your property. Place No tresspassing signs outside your property line (so you will be covered) and if they are caught going on there, call the police. Sick the police on them now if you are certain who is doing this. Make sure you file a report with everything that has taken place. You may not be able to have the "roof" mounted cameras but if you have a camcorder and tripod, place it where is can't be seen but so that you can see who is coming into your property and taken what ever and give that evidence to the police. If they don't do anything, take the "idiots" to civil court and file a claim against them.