does thievery require points in sneaking?

[spank me daddy]

when you use thievery does it benefit from having points in sneaking or can i avoid wasting my points in sneaking?

[Anri of Astora]

no

[Cutlass Jack]

Nope It makes getting behind people a little easier, especially with moving targets, but doesn't affect chances to actually steal something. As long as you can get behind someone standing still and get into sneak mode, it doesn't matter your skill in sneak.

[Aristocratic Cthulhu]

Step 1) Engage target with party member other than thief in conversation.
Step 2) Pickpocket target with thief.
Step 3) Run away with thief and end conversation.
Step 4) Wait for NPC to end search.
Step 5) Profit.

Honestly, the entire NPC search mechanic after they've been robbed is really dumb and nothing but a timewaster.

[Morgian]

So basically the answer is yes. I have tried a few times with sneaking 2/thievery 5 and cannot steal much. There is always the "could you stop sneaking around?" and stealth is broken, and thereby the theft.
I have yet to find out how to steal from a merchant, who would be the best targets. There are too many NPCs around, and I think higher stealth might help with those.

[Singrave]

steal when npc stay\sit still for a while