Rapaire,

In medeval Europe, farming tools were kept in sheds at the fields, while the farmers lived in the towns ( Poland/Baltic states c. 1200-1600)) If the tools were stolen or destroyed, the farmer was unable to work his crop, and his family starved. (same idea with fishing boats, of course)

The penalty for theft of tools, or destruction of them was execution: If one destroys the means by which someone supports their family, one has attacked that family.