Someone stole my stuff, but there is no one nearby

[Adder1234]

So I recently started playing and someone stole a heap of squirrels tails that were on my tanning rack, but took the skins of and stockpiled them and weirder still, a whole table complete with cutlery disappeared from inside my house. The only other things touched were a couple of destroyed sections of fence. The only other hearthling nearby lives way to the north in a massive mansion, so I don't think they stole them.
In short,what happened and what can I do about it?

[Rosenberg]

Since it was not mentioned in your post do you have a personal claim? If so you can track them down just to know their location. If not then you are just shit out of luck.

[Adder1234]

well I'm out of luck then, but why did they stockpile the skins, and why take a table?
Also can someone explain how to find traders, I really have no idea what I'm doing

[Amanda44]

There do not have to be ppl near by, someone may just have been passing, contrary to popular belief players do leave their walls and travel around, I go on long trips regularly to explore and check for better q nodes.

If you have a claim on your property you can check for scents and then track the person to see who took them, at the least you will know how close they are to you, at best you may be able to recover your stuff. If you do not have a claim then you need to get one up asap.

http://ringofbrodgar.com/wiki/Personal_Claim
http://ringofbrodgar.com/wiki/Criminal_Acts

You then need to work on a palisade which will offer you much better protection.

http://ringofbrodgar.com/wiki/Palisade

You should also read the starter guides here in HDI ... Sevenless' is a good one to start with;
Sevenless' Beginners guide

Hopefully some of that information will help you to better fortify your base ...

[Amanda44]

Also can someone explain how to find traders, I really have no idea what I'm doing

Traders will advertise here;
Apples for Oranges

The larger ones will give their location on the world map;

Haven World Map

As you will not have a charter stone available to you, you will need to travel to the location to trade unless someone is willing to come to you. You can contact the traders via pm for more information.