Police arrested a 30-year-old Waianae woman for habitual property crime at the Pali Longs/Safeway shopping center.

Police said the woman was caught stealing more than $200 in merchandise at about 3 p.m. yesterday. 

Investigating officers learned she had three prior convictions for theft in the last five years and arrested her on the more serious felony charge.

A bill creating the habitual property crime offense was signed into law in 2004. Under the law, any person accused of misdemeanor property crime who has three felony or misdemeanor property crime convictions in the previous five years must serve at least a year in jail, if convicted. 

Habitual property crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.