I Was a Shoplifter

I Was a Shoplifter is a 1950 American crime film directed by Charles Lamont. It stars Scott Brady as the police detective sergeant Jeff Andrews, who is on a case to stop a gang of shoplifters headed by Herb Klaxon Charles Drake and Ina Perdue Andrea King who are exploiting a wealthy socialite, Faye Burton Mona Freeman, a kleptomaniac, to conduct their crimes.

Faye returns to her job as a librarian. But a gang of thieves run by Ina Perdue, a pawnbroker, recruits Faye by claiming they can get her confession back, thereby clearing her record. Faye is shown by Ina and her henchman Pepe how to steal like a professional thief and is then given a San Diego robbery assignment as a test. She is followed by Jeff, who is actually an undercover law officer, working to bust the shoplifting ring.Pepe attempts to sexually assault Faye, who becomes so despondent, she tries to commit suicide. Jeff rescues her and reveals his true identity. They arrange to work together, but Jeffs cover is blown and Faye is kidnapped. Ina and Pepe take her to Mexico to continue their crime spree, but Jeff and his men arrive in time to apprehend the crooks. Jeff also realizes he has fallen in love with Faye. ........

Source: Wikipedia