Balanced mechanics is what's needed. Make it more fun, have repercussions, rewards. The idea of stealing from the merchants should be built on, great idea, but I want to steal from that sorc that charges way over the top for their work, well maybe I need some of my silvers back, maybe I don't :D and they are some risky people to steal from, you might want their help again some day lol.

We need to get the blinders off and stop care bear avataring, and build in a dynamic skill base for rogues. They could be so much more. Heck I know wizards with more pick pockets than rogue's have these days LOL. Something is wrong.

I'll also say this, I've had more of my silvers stolen by sorcerers and enchanters over the years than any amount I've managed to get via pick pockets from players.

You want to steal make a rogue.
You want to ensorcell make a sorc.
You want to enchant make a wizard.
etc etc etc.

Role play also means the mechanics need to support the class/profession.