Can Hirelings be stolen by thiefs?

[seriously]

When I read the rules it says some Hirelings are considered items, the one with a gold value.

1. So can a thief steal a hireling if it is an item?

2. For hirelings with no gold pieces, the thief class can't steal it right?

3. The thief class can not steal Steeds because it is considered a big item, correct?

thank you!