I think I saw on another thread you simply use the "lock" item feature to prevent it from being used - so if this is true there already is a "tick a box" type solution (though admittedly not well explained, and it doesn't work for smelting weapons...).
I would recommend you drop your troop size to around 20 (keeping your higher tier troops and booting recruits/lower tier troops), and start to increase your number of horse to 20 also (1 horse to 1 troop, unless they're already a mounted troop). "Pack" horses do not increase speed (e.g mules have no effect on your speed), so make sure you're getting actual horses as well. With 20 troops and more horses you'll easily catch small groups of bandits and looters, and outrun stronger bandit groups. Do this for a while, slowly build up to 30 troops (I also recommend you get companions if you don't have any yet - press the "N" key to find a Shieldmaiden as they're the best fighters).