What version of the game are you playing? The current release version is 1.0.219.
If you are seen moving screens, or any other personal property (red hand cursor) around, you should get a reputation drop. Depending on your reputation, the NPC will call the guards after 3 warning to leave things alone, and it can trigger combat.
Nevermind. It seems to depend on the location or person. Meanwhile i've had the situation with the red cursor.
