The "slippery slope" is always a problem with whatever you do. The US tends toward extremes so it's an understandable worry, especially in deep red states.
That's why we need to rewrite the laws on shoplifting. At least in the US, these smash and grabs have been handled like individual incidents of shoplifting. The ycharge each as an individual, who only stole a small amount of merchandise. Usually, that's only a misdemeanor and they're let of with what amounts to a warning. As has been pointed out these incidents are different, so they should be handled differently so they aren't confused with a poor mom taking a little formula to feed her baby.
The other thing we need to deal with is wealth inequality. I see the rise of mass criminal gangs as related. A lot of communities offer very little opportunity for someone with only a high school diploma, or no diploma. At best, you're going to be working at a fast-food place for minimum wage. We need to address the low wages for many jobs and provide a clear path for people to better their lives. The sad thing is that mass thefts often cause businesses to close (I can provide examples if you want). That leaves fewer job opportunities in at risk communities.
