A. A person is guilty of shoplifting if he willfully takes possession of any goods, wares or merchandise, of a value of less than seventy-five dollars, offered for sale by any wholesale or retail store or other mercantile establishment without the consent of the seller, with the intention of converting such goods, wares or merchandise to his own use without having paid the purchase price thereof.

B. A duly appointed city, county or state law enforcement officer may, upon a charge being made and without a warrant, arrest any person whom he has reasonable cause to believe has committed or attempted to commit the crime of shoplifting. (Ord. 628, 1976)