Don't know if it's just me or not but stealing seems to be much easier in Skyrim. I remember getting caught even when no one was looking in Oblivion but I can simply be ducked behind a counter in Skyrim and easily rob a shop blind. The other day though I had a couple mercenaries after me and after dispatching them found a letter ordering my elimination by someone I had stolen from in Whiterun. I wonder if this is just a part of the story line or is this the effect of my criminal activity?

The mercenaries were after u because u stole. i stayed at the Inn in Solitude and during the night i sneaked out of my room and stole a few things. next day 3 mercenaries attacked me and after i killed them i read a note off one of them and it was signed by the guy that owns the Inn that i was staying at.

That's what I figured. Does anyone know of any other effects of stealing? Like price hikes at merchants you've stolen from or anything else? Obviously if you don't get caught you figure you're in the clear...but apparently not.

Just put baskets/buckets over their heads and they will see nothing. (Just to be safe also all the animals should have buckets on their heads too)

In skyrim the detection system is line of sight based so if they can't see you then they can detect you. Although there are bugs were you can be detected stealing when there is no one or animal around you for some reason.

To answer the question that was asked, no.

I haven't noticed any other affects as a result of my criminal behavior.