Shoplifting is an ongoing offense faced by just about every big retail corporation or supermarket like Walmart or Target. Many of these retailers have had to get creative in their attempts to curb this problem. Some retailers have increased security presence around entrances and exits, whilst others have opted to lock away inventory, particularly the items that are more likely to get shoplifted, in cages that can only be accessed with the help of a staff member. Some retailers even eliminated the self check out counters to help ensure every item that leaves the store is accounted for. Many of these measures were not well received by customers who possibly felt they were being punished for someone else’s crimes.
Recently a judge from Michigan proposed a creative solution to help curb the issue of shoplifting faced by Walmart that involved a unique method of paying penance.
“Walmart Washes” for shoplifters found guilty
A few weeks ago, a Michigan based judge sentenced shoplifters caught at Walmart to car wash duty at the very store they had attempted to steal from. Judge Jeffrey Clothier, who was elected to Genesee County’s 67th District Court in January, felt that this type of community service based punishment would discourage shoplifters from attempting to commit this crime again in the future. Judge Clothier is of the strong belief that not all people are bad, some are merely facing circumstances beyond their control which compels them to resort to this sort of act.
“I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck,” Clothier shared with The Associated Press when he first introduced the idea of Walmart Washes. “But there’s going to be consequences when you break the law.”
“I think it will be humiliating to be out there washing cars if you see someone you know,” he added. “I will be there washing cars with them.”
The managers at the Walmart in the Grand Blanc Township showed complete support for Judge Clothier and his innovative idea. The company’s headquarters in Arkansas, however, shared that these car washes could not be done on company property. Despite this little caveat, the company headquarters had also been in support of the idea and as such, Judge Clothier was certain he could find a different location to carry out this soapy punishment.
Judge Clothier overruled on Walmart Washes ruling
This new punishment system where shoplifters caught at Walmart would give customers free car washes near the store on weekends was due to begin in spring. Unfortunately for Judge Clothier, he was overruled by Chief Judge William Crawford II who felt that the “junior jurist should have first asked for approval from him and other court officials.”
In a statement made on Friday, Chief Judge Crawford shared, “This is especially true where the proposed alternative punishment deviates from the usual and accepted methods, ‘Walmart Washes’ will not be taking place as reported.”
Clothier then shared his disappointment in the ruling of his superiors, however, he also revealed that he will continue to come up with “new and unusual” methods of punishments for shoplifters.
“I’m frustrated,” Clothier shared. “I’m still going to try to come up with a creative way to solve this problem.”
“I had 37 new Walmart theft offenses two days ago. In the last month, it’s been well over 100,” he added.
According to Judge Clothier, after hearing about it, around twenty to thirty other judges from across the state had shared a desire to join him and the shoplifters in this car wash initiative.
After Walmart Washes was overruled, Judge Clothier further shared that he is now looking into alternate forms of community services for shoplifters caught stealing at at Walmart.