[harryjo]

Putting the item exactly back in place, is that to increase the clerk's suspicion of shoplifting, or defend against accusations of it?

[LordKano]

To draw attention to myself.

If the norm is for people to put it back close to the same spot, I make sure to do it precisely, because it's incongruous and will draw attention.

My goal was to make them think "What's that guy doing?" as opposed to "I think that guy is trying to seal something."

[pbhjpbhj]

You can pick 2 items if they're small, put one back to attempt to appear like you didn't take anything; works with clothing too. Suspicious behaviour looks suspicious.