What’s up with stealing food?

I’ve been shoplifting for years ( shitty grocery store chain here in a wealthy coastal town) and I’ve noticed that a lot more people are stealing food since covid. I’ve never had a problem, I’m stealthy, I know the employees, I’m friendly etc. Today, however, I had a cousin working at this store and he was too busy to say hi. I saw him at least twice but he didn’t make eye contact and seemed a little on edge. I was about to go to the deli ( shitty deli, poor quality meat) and I saw a lady with a cart absolutely full of meat, cheese, and bread just walking out with 2 bags. I thought she had paid but realized she didn’t and I continued on to the deli. I had been thinking about stealing a lot more food but now I’m not so sure. All the employees were on edge and checking people’s bags at the door, I felt paranoid and a little uncomfortable. I’m not sure how they know who’s stealing food and who’s not, but I’m sure they’re on to me too. I’ve been really blatant about walking out with my arms full of stuff. I’ve always thought that they wouldn’t care if a woman was stealing food but Im not so sure now.