It's not just stuff and that is a cavalier dismissal of what is a huge problem.
> I would like to see more approaches like "why are people stealing stuff?", and I lean towards thinking that these people just don't have their basic needs fulfilled and they resort to crime.
They have their basic needs fulfilled. Crime is a way easier means to an end. They can make more selling stolen merchandise than they'd make in a 40 hour work week.
They steal stuff because it's thrilling and it's easy money.
> I would like to see more approaches like "why are people stealing stuff?", and I lean towards thinking that these people just don't have their basic needs fulfilled and they resort to crime.
They have their basic needs fulfilled. Crime is a way easier means to an end. They can make more selling stolen merchandise than they'd make in a 40 hour work week.
They steal stuff because it's thrilling and it's easy money.