Historically, people in America have left their cabins & homes unlocked just in case someone needed emergency shelter. That has changed today (for the most part), but I suspect a lot of people would see what was taken, & if it was wood, blankets & some food, they wouldn't have a problem with it. I wouldn't, anyway.

I don't know much about alarms, but if they had an alarm, they probably had electricity & a phone. A jury would probably have a tough time coming up with a conviction.

OTOH, if someone had been home at the entered cabin and held him off at gunpoint and he died, would that be considered manslaughter?

America has reached a stupidity saturation point when it comes to law, IMHO. Intent used to have something to do with it, now the only thing looked at is the letter of it. A good reason for fully informed juries.

Sue