I'm not so sure about the hungry zombies having the item stealing mechanic... the thief skeletons are fine because they are relatively rare and you expect them to do this from the name and the bandit mask (so you can check for your items as soon as you finish one off)... they also don't have anything else going for them. The hungry zombies are already crazy overpowered and extremely common. It is too easy to fight one and lose a tool to them and not notice until it is too late. Considering how long the tools take to level not sure this is a great design. I think the speed, HPs, and crazy regeneration is enough for them really... they already can't die to any debuff (including the sun) because of that. You either have to fight them or despawn them by moving away.