This question was inspired by a conversation with someone I know on here who has been trying to curb theft. Specifically art theft. The person is an artist and has noticed how common (and sometimes seemingly random) art theft is and has been trying to curb it by taking a hit and hinting that her art is stealable (as in she wouldn’t mind if it’s stolen, as long as no deception is at play). This got us thinking, as though they are noble intentions and the massive backlash she has gotten for it comes off as weird, I don’t think encouraging theft is a good idea, nor do I think it’s a matter of kleptomania if it’s digital (plus I think it would already curb kleptomania to say kleptomaniacs are allowed to take something, advice appreciated if available). But it got us talking about what they would even want to steal. Is the appeal in the rarity? The sensory input? Something else? The person is a “passive progressive” and has done something similar to curb compulsive lying, and it has somewhat worked, so maybe I’m wrong.

To those of you who habitually steal stuff or know someone who does, what aspects of stolen items increase the appeal to steal them?