THIEVES who are caught stealing face an unusual punishment that’s being referred to as the “Walmart wash.”
The judge behind the “humiliating” punishment for Walmart shoplifters insists that it’ll benefit shoppers.
As part of their sentence, thieves will be forced to show up at the Grand Blanc Township Walmart in Michigan to wash cars in the spring, as reported by The Associated Press.
They’ll be expected to grab sponges and clean cars on the weekends in March and April when the weather warms up.
Judge Jeffrey Clothier handed down the punishment and believes it will make shoplifters think twice before committing a crime again.
The lifelong Genesee County resident has been an attorney for nearly 30 years, according to his campaign website.
After studying law, he returned to his home city to give back to his people.
“I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and I want to ensure the Grand Blanc and Fenton Courts are cutting-edge examples for others to follow across the state,” he said.
“I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck.
“But there’s going to be consequences when you break the law.”
Shoplifting is considered a misdemeanor which usually results in jail time, fines, probation, or community service.
The judge started ordering “Walmart washes” as a punishment this week after seeing nearly 50 cases on the docket in one single day.
The town’s Walmart was forced to give police a parking spot due to the number of calls they get regarding theft.
Between 75 and 100 shoplifters are expected to show up for the car washes in the spring.
The car washes will be free, the judge told The Associated Press.
All materials will be provided by the Walmart Supercenter and the company supports the initiative, he said.
Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.
- Locking items in cabinets
- Security pegs
- Security cameras
- Signs warning about the impact of theft
- Receipt scanners
- Receipt checks
- Carts with locking technology
“I think it will be humiliating to be out there washing cars if you see someone you know,” Clothier said.
Several city officials and lawmakers applauded the judge for his unique approach to the common crime.
“It’s an innovative approach,” said county Prosecutor David Leyton.
“Even if it deters one person, then there’s some success there.”
Clothier said he’ll be out in the parking lot too washing cars with shoplifters on wash days.
Walmart did not immediately reply to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
The unusual punishment comes after a customer in Tennessee was banned from every Walmart in the country for stealing.
And another alleged thief was busted using a ring to steal from the retailer.
During questioning, he confessed to multiple thefts as he used the ring to get high-ticket items at a fraction of their cost.
Theft has gotten so bad that Walmart launched yet another new anti-theft tool in November 2024.
The new system allows workers to use an app on a cellphone or other device to unlock anti-theft displays.
This aims to eliminate the need for shopper assistance with plexiglass barriers that have frustrated customers.
