It is odd that you would assume there would be no theft increase. Survival isn't a mark against a person's character

Desperate times call for desperate measures

When it comes down to a basic choice of paying utilities or paying for food when both are needed it is easier to steal food than utilities

Life generally takes the path of least resistance

Certainly, I believe most people would avoid theft if possible, but when faced between dignity and survival it may be an easy choice to steal from those who are objectively price gouging

Though this is is going into a steep tangent while focusing only on theft and does not address the overall question