phermitgb: just a note to people new to the first two Fallout games - PEOPLE STEAL YOUR STUFF! It was pretty well known in fallout 1 that in the Hub, there was a band of child thieves that would run around town. If the child thief ever stopped near your character, they would often remove a random item from your inventory.
TPR: It was in
Den in Fallout 2. Children thieves are standing near (some) doors. To avoid theft enter combat mode just before approaching them and leave combat mode when you're inside (or outside, depends on direction)... when you pass them.
This is like in Charles Dickens
Olivier Twist novel (see:
Flick). Except there is no "Olivier Twist" kid and there is no good ending for children... as long as you'll not use Restoration Project where player can save them. After this children are no longer on street stealing from people (especially Chosen One).
Prior to "saving them" (or at all if not using RP) - just use your punch attack once on each kid! ;)
Only one punch is required, they will then run from you! Not just at that point, but whenever you get near them in future, they will run away with their arms in the air!
So it not only stops them from stealing, but it's kind of funny as well!
Only two things to remember: Firstly, make get any followers you have to wait far away from where you fight, otherwise they'll join in and kill the kid (the bastards!). Secondly, make sure not to kill the kid yourself accidentally...
