You guys do realise that people commit crime for very different reasons don't you?
....Indeed, of course. But are you suggesting that it was because the perpetrator was able to justify such invasive actions?
Let's get this straight, I don't think in any circumstance anyone can justify taking another person's possessions, regardless of their personal plight.
However, and as you have pointed out, we don not live an environment where law has totally broken down or ceased to exist. And as such it is up to our law to judge a person's actions.
Would Joe have felt any remorse had the person been living below the poverty line, struggling to feed his children, and provide a roof over their heads?