Pets

I think it was separation anxiety. My wife and I bothe worked during the day. We would come home and find items missing like the TV remote or a calculator from the table. We had a raised hearth with a slate floor in front of of it that he liked to sleep in front of. He'd wrap himself up in his blanket on front of the stove. We would typically find the missing items chwwd up under the blanket. I think it's because he missed us and smelled our scent on the items. He grew out of the chewing.
Try giving him chew toys (play with him with them when you can) and spend as much time as you can with him. Walks and play time are good. They are social animals
You need to be patient with them.
Crating is another option, if done right. But they need/want a lot of attention when you are home.