Is a farmer not supposed to have a basic locked fence around his farmed produce? (I'm not referring to the farm itself.)
Just because something isn't under lock and key doesn't mean it's abandoned and fair game.
The reality of the world we live in is that materials, especially if they're metals or otherwise have resale value, are at high risk of getting stolen. The more income inequality exists, the more theft we will see.
It is 100% relevant. It would have kept the goods secure.