The marketstalls in Riften seem ripe for looting, but be cautious, friends.
The first time I tried, I felt eyes on me from somewhere. I kept sneaking around the market stand, but couldn't find them. Then from out of nowhere is Mjoll, Riften's self-appointed protector. She's practically on top of me, just looking down with the most deadpan expression. Having been out-stealthed by a nord warrior, I slink off in shame.
Two nights later I'm in the market again when someone calls "STOP, THIEF". I jump, but it's just one of the NPC thieves being stupid again. I use the distraction to unlock the display case. But I can't actually reach any of the jewelry while sneaking... Screwit, I pop up and grab it all quickly. *Someone* sees me of course, but I hop into the water and enter the Ratway. (I usually enter through that brief tunnel section and exit via the secret graveyard passage). Awesome, free and clear. I sell all the loot to the fence in the Ragged Flagon. Then I head to see Mercer in the Cistern, except...
4 guards are waiting for me. They must have come from the Cistern, which I think means using the secret graveyard entrance. Now that's a fair cop. I pay off the guard to ignore my bounty, and they cheerfully start milling around the guild planning center. Mercer yells at me for burning too many bee hives, name-dropping Maven Blackbriar... Just a few feet away a guard stands stands knee-deep in cistern water, quaffing from a mug.
I know the guild has fallen on hard times, but jeez.