Police spent Wednesday going door-to-door at shops in Fairfield's downtown business district, investigating what they say is a long string of retail thefts with seven incidents in the past two months.

According to police, a professional ring of thieves is targeting expensive stores downtown, including Victoria's Secret, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. More than $8,000 worth of merchandise has already been stolen.

Police say that during the thefts, one person distracts while the others steal merchandise and a getaway car is always waiting outside the store. Fairfield's Chamber of Commerce is helping police with the investigation.