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Cops are in people's backyards for a number of reasons. They could be looking for someone who ran from them on a traffic stop a block away. Granted, if you have a fenced yard, it is less of a concern, but not impossible. I would hate to walk out with a gun in my hand and bump into stressed cops.

Tactically, you gain nothing by going outside to investigate. If it is nothing, then you gain nothing. If it is in fact Joe-Home-Invader, you put yourself at a significant tactical disadvantage. He is the one that is setup on your back yard. Going without a light is even worse. You have no armor, no back up weapon, no radio, and no backup. If someone is outside and wants to get in, you can stack the deck in your favor and set up a (hasty) immediate ambush.