Sometimes them danged thieves can make me so mad! It's like an honest adventurer can't make a living killing things and taking the loot off of their bodies... or something [img]smile.gif[/img]
I find it annoying as well. I watch for the "stealing" motion and try to back up as soon as I see it start. I also check my pockets, so to speak, after a battle to make sure I haven't lost anything. And if I'm really paranoid, I'll split the gold among all the party members. If the thieves get one, they don't get it all.
But the best approach I've seen and used is the one Wyv mentioned -- get 'em from a distance
Highland raiders and such are usually happy to attack you from a distance, but nymphs like to get up close and personal so they can *ahem* distract you. I've found that the Incinerate spell works wonders on them...