Originally posted by BadBaneRat:

doesn't the totem solve this issue?

The ward only slows down the process of breaking in, but does not prevent it. A person attempting to break through a door or chest will eventually succeed, and even if the house owner is standing there, they cannot do anything to injure or kill the would-be thief since pvp is not possible unless everyone involved has toggled the friendly fire on their own screens.

Bottom line is, there's only one thing preventing griefers from getting in and causing damage, theft, summoning mobs etc., and that is the PASSWORD on every world, and why people don't allow randoms to join their games. (there's nothing in place to stop griefing)...
As I mentioned previously the game is designed to be a solo and "coop with friends" (people who trust each other) type of game and NOT an MMO.