What about those who wind up on benefits through no fault of their own? People like the Bombardier workers who, according to you, will shortly "do absolutely nothing" and "contribute absolutely nothing to society" when they get made redundant? Many of them will be of an age where they'll be too old to get another job no matter how hard they try.
I spent nearly a year on the dole. I was a victim of the economic problems at the time. (09) I had a good, professional job, worked very hard and paid taxes. I got £47 per week on the dole. Plus my housing benefit which meant that I didn’t become homeless as well as jobless. It didn’t cover the rent but you juggle things to try and stay afloat. You can’t of course, but you try to avoid drowning as long as possible. Your savings don’t last long while you try, like a good person, to meet all of your financial responsibilities. (Which were planned and manageable on a professional wage)
I got a new job at the other end of the country, i moved house, moved away from my friends, and it cost me a relationship. Something like that does change your opinion of things.
I can quite understand how easy it could be to steal a loaf of bread when you have no money left or anything left to eat. I was in that position and did without food rather than steal. I can also quite easily see how someone who has never been in that position has no understanding of the real pressure you face.
Do you have to choose between having the light on or your tea? I doubt it. Do you have to choose between having the heating on in the winter or having the light on at night? There are many people in this country who do.
Now that doesn’t excuse the loutish criminal behaviour displayed by these idiots. It is wrong and many of them (but not all) will be caught and punished.