Stealing things from the game's world | Strategy guide Risen 3 Guide

The best way is to steal from houses during the night time since it decreases a chance of being detected.

Stealing from the environment in Risen 3 is not very restrictive. You should remember that anything you can find under the sky is considered by the game as "common goods" and you don't have to be afraid of taking them since you will not experience any negative consequences. Limitations are related only to items being in buildings both public (such as taverns) and private (such as houses), although empty buildings and huts are open for exploration. If you will try to steal from any of the restricted areas it may ends up with the word of warning or attacking the Nameless Hero by surrounding NPC's.

Fortunately you can make stealing objects from forbidden areas much easier thanks to the few tricks. I recommend to learn as fast as you can (for example with the help of Nate from Calador) the ability of Sneak. After you will activate this ability you may walk quietly. It is still possible that someone will notice you. That's why it's the best for you to wait for the night, when most of the NPC's goes to sleep and it is possible that you will be able to avoid few guards left on their watch.

Complex locks require more time using the picklock

Locked chests hiding treasures are quite a different story. If you want to open a chest you have to possess the picklock which you can buy from few merchants. You have to also level up your Lockpicking higher than the level of the lock, otherwise you will not be able to open it. If you will fulfill both of these conditions you will get an access to the very easy mini-game which involves opening the lock by determining the right order of moving the triggers.

Remember! If you lack of only few points necessary to use your picklock successfully, check if you have in your equipment for example any ring, amulet or potion that can help you temporarily increase your Lockpicking skill.