A judge in Michigan, United States recently ruled that shoplifters caught at the Walmart store must provide free car washes at the store’s parking lot when spring arrives. The judge hopes to deter theft by implementing this unique community service.
According to the report by the Associated Press on February 15, Judge Jeffrey Clothier of the Genesee County Circuit Court in Michigan stated that starting this week, shoplifters caught at the Walmart store in Grand Blanc Township will be required to wash cars at the store’s parking lot.
Grand Blanc Township is a designated township in Genesee County, located 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Detroit.
Clothier believes that eventually 75 to 100 misdemeanor shoplifters will be tasked with providing free car wash services in March and April weekends at the specified location.
He mentioned that Walmart store will provide water and supplies for the offenders undergoing the punishment. He hopes that this unconventional form of community service will deter people from stealing from the Walmart store.
He said, “I think it will be an embarrassment if you see someone you know while washing cars there.”
He added, “I don’t believe all thieves are bad people, sometimes people just have bad luck. But there are consequences when you break the law.”
The judge, who took office in January, revealed his shock at the extensive cases of retail theft. He expressed his surprise at having 48 such cases on his agenda for a single day, stating, “It’s just crazy.”
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton commented on the car wash punishment, saying, “It’s an innovative approach. Even if it deters just one person (from theft), it will be a success.”
Clothier mentioned that not only punished shoplifters will be washing cars, stating, “I will be there washing cars alongside them.”