Salem

I need help understanding several points on the following act.

My base was vandalized which in itself is no real concern as I had no locked gates and only a couple torchposts. The followings actions require a bit of explaining .
Player X opened my gate, moved a box, robbed a few items and looted me.

1. Since I logged out a ways from my claim, how does someone rob me from my claim stone if I am nowhere near it?
2. I paid the providence prosecutor his 500 silver, he stated he recognized the crime... and nothing.
3. I followed the scent from my claim to providence to find the criminal asleep and I was unable to take any action against him.. I couldn't even get his name.

I locked all my gates now and I suppose I will make a few braziers since torchposts seem to have no effect, but the thing that really gets me is #1. That would be like someone breaking into your house and stealing your wallet out of your pocket while you were on vacation.

And how do I exert punishment on future criminals?

You were looted from your claim because anyone can be looted while off line from their homestead.

Take the scent that you spent 500 silver and right click on the stocks. They will be sent there so that people can punish them.

You can summon them if you are able to get close enough with revenge if I remember correctly. You can also make a trial by combat which will force summon them. There are also players out there who might be interested in getting justice for you.