From what I recall seeing posted by GMs, that is/was never true.

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report: not sure if this is a problem.. but there are two sentinel Kristef's on the streets.

SEND[Abasha] That's not Kristef, that's his evil twin, um... Kristeff. Anyway thanks for the heads up!

its not true now: evidential in that the ratha magic shop used to be overwealmingly difficult to steal from, now its basically in the same category as similar items in other shops <i.e. camb orbs, camb rings, WM talismans, etc.

The only area where it holds true is that the shopkeepers still haven't been adjusted with their "perception" for hiding in the shop, which would effect genuine newbies -- i.e. a true newbie will have difficulty hiding in d'ors. the stealing itself is as the previous poster stated - based on appraisal value and weight.