I'm really tired of being followed around homes while trying to steal stuff. It seems that I have this problem more in some holds than in others. For example, in Solitude it doesn't matter what building I go in, the person or shopkeeper runs around trying to keep up with my every move. And they don't just walk either; they are fast and I can usually only grab about one item before they detect me. The worst part is that some of these people never sleep! I've tried entering many different times during the day/night and they are always there, waiting for me to take stuff.
I'm wondering if there is any way to stop this behavior in game. There isn't a disposition meter like in Oblivion, so I'm assuming I can't get friendly enough for the person to stop meddling. Does it somehow correlate with my standing in the hold (like Thane status)? Should I try selling to the person if they are a merchant to get into their good graces?