How do theft mechanics work?

[Stretchytall]

I see you can try to steal stuff in stations, but how do the theft mechanics work? Is it possible to get away with stealing stuff if no one is around to witness the theft? Or does stealing always incur a reputation penalty?

[Rotiart]

If nobody sees it, it didn't happen. Usually not worth it though

[Buggy Boy]

You may get space herpies if you try deconstructing stolen goods, if the server has karma enabled. Once you go into the next round I believe the stolen status is removed.

[MercxHaze]

if you're crouched and out of line of sight of a non crew member you get to keep it but if you interact with an item without crouching and being out of line of sight they harass you about it.
regardless of whether you were caught or not your reputation lowers with that specific city if you steal from them

[Greenie /Taxibutler]

Its pretty much if you don't see them then they don't see you stealing. It can be pretty profitable to steal a bunch of stuff from the crew quarters or firing a paralysis syringe at a guard and stealing stuff from their cabinets (on most military stations). No need to crouch or anything though, just don't get seen by the NPCs on the outpost, your crew doesn't care (even if they're AI).

[red66]

In the words of the notorious B.I.G - "if it ain't yours it's theft"
but seriously. If you get caught gun your way out

[S-Array 03]

Additionally, if you successfully manage to steal something, yo'ur enot out of trouble yet. YOu don't get ownership of stolen items until you undock. If you were to equi pthe stolen item in your hands, you will get called out even if you stole it without being spotted.