The punishment should be harsher than the crime. Stealing an apple might not be a "big problem", but it sets a precedent that taking someone else's property is acceptable under some circumstances -- say, the relative value of said object.
Morals are relative. I happen to align with Japan's morals, and wish Norway would take inspiration from it. We're on the far opposite end of the spectrum.
Compared to what? European and other western countries with significantly higher crime rates?
Safety comes at a cost.