Tamara Peace, 35, of Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, is charged with fifth-degree larceny after allegedly stealing a purse from a carriage at the Westfield Target.
Police said Peace took the purse while it was unattended and was later spotted walking with it in the store.
The purse contained a wallet, cash and personal papers, police said.
Her bond was set at $1,000 for an appearance in Bridgeport Superior Court.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.