@icedquinn the simple solution is that actions will have consequences. They can get a little bit more XP and loot by slaughtering a town, but it won't go without notice. Traders weren't at their usual spots, guards didn't report back, and merchants passing through saw all the carnage. Who could have possibly done this? The courts are familiar with what orc attacks are like, and this isn't the same thing. Maybe, just maybe, it's the group walking around with higher magic capability and skill than most others.

My last group knocked a guy out, stole his shoes and gold, then fought against the guards who were called on them and failed (they were only level 1). On their way to jail, the caravan was attacked by goblins and the guards went down. The party managed to break out of their binds and defeat the goblin, then they stole the carriage. Eventually, after collecting enough evidence, the law caught up to them. The courts have access to Zone of Truth, so they ended up with hefty fines.