I'm with the OP as well, although I think the term "thief" is a bit harsh. If this is the house I think it is (left of #8 tee Fort Walton with the cute little astroturf green), there is no way to hit a ball there, short of a weird ricochet. So it would appear to be a case of over-exuberant ball hawking.
If I hit one into a yard, I leave it unless I can reach it with a ball retriever while standing outside the property line. On the other hand, on the rare occasion someone hits it into my yard, they can feel free to walk in an get it. Most golfers are very respectful of private property and I've even had to convince one it was OK to walk into my yard to get it.
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