Which of the following is a characteristic of retail fraud?

The characteristic that "intends to permanently remove property" is a defining element of retail fraud. This type of crime typically involves a person intending to deprive the store of its merchandise without paying for it, effectively planning to permanently keep or utilize the stolen property.

In the context of retail fraud, it is crucial for the offender to demonstrate a clear intention to take the property and not return it. This intentionality differentiates retail fraud from other forms of theft or loss that may not involve the intent to permanently remove an item, such as an honest mistake or accidental misplacement.

Other choices do not encapsulate the full nature of retail fraud. For instance, taking property without moving it might refer to situations such as shoplifting where the final act involves leaving the store with the goods. The notion that retail fraud only occurs when the store is closed does not hold true, as most retail fraud incidents happen during business hours. Lastly, the concept of not involving intention to steal contradicts the fundamental definition of retail fraud, which is inherently linked to the intention of theft. Thus, the emphasis on a permanent removal intent solidifies option B as the correct answer.