how about we build a robust social safety net so that stealing less than $1000 worth of stuff is not the best way to survive

Please re-read your parent. Same concept here. If you make it that comfortable, then why work? Keep in mind that there will always be people who want things the programs won't provide that they're literally willing to kill for - drugs, the newest iPhone, in-style basketball shoes, etc.

Now, I do agree in a parallel way, but with a different solution. If we fix structural problems preventing people from being, or having hope of being, productive members of society, than that can prevent some crime.

If that's what you want to try, okay that's fine. But do that first, not second. It helps neither side to do it second.