The ongoing drop in violent crime is also allowing police to focus more attention on retail theft, Ms. Hamann said.

The unit concluded a year-long investigation of organized retail theft and food stamp fraud at the "All in One" store on 9th Avenue.

Detectives also concluded a lengthy investigation into organized retail theft that had been impacting local retailers.

The investigation targeted a local flea market that was actively recruiting and engaging drug addicts to commit retail thefts of merchandise.

Each of the three people arrested was offered a choice of being charged with retail theft or enrolling in a $50 course on the evils of shoplifting.

Jan. 10, 1990: Charged with retail theft and released.

Jan. 14: Charged with retail theft and released.

Girls are typically picked up for what are not usually very serious crimes, for low-level retail theft, running away, being there when their boyfriend gets caught doing something.

Law enforcement and loss prevention specialists can use the database to track and identify retail theft nationwide through a secure Web portal.

She was charged yesterday with retail theft, punishable by up to $300 in fines and 90 days in jail.