The Drunken Lizard Pub

I know how to repair and I know about the other stuff that can help out.
My issue is getting into a fight with a several monsters (not at the same time) and suddenly finding out that my just repaired gear got broken.

This is pretty game breaking for me. I liked the game up until that part.

I went underground in that first town (below the dam), killed few zombies and skeletons and suddenly half of my items got destroyed! I barely even started exploring the zone.
This does not sound normal.