A Michigan judge has placed sponges in the hands of shoplifters, ordering them to wash cars in a Walmart parking lot until spring arrives.
Judge Jeffrey Clothier hopes the unconventional type of community service prevents people from stealing from Walmart and rewards customers who may face higher pricing or perhaps store closures if crimes persist. The car washes will be free.
“I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck,” said Clothier, who was recently elected to Genesee County District Court. “But there’s going to be consequences when you break the law.”
Clothier told The Associated Press that he started issuing “Walmart wash” punishments this week for misdemeanor stealing at the store in Grand Blanc Township, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Detroit. He estimates that 75 to 100 individuals will be assigned to wash cars for weekend activities at that site in March and April.
The judge stated that Walmart is “on board” and will offer water and supplies. An email requesting comment from the company’s Arkansas headquarters did not receive an instant response Friday.
Clothier said he was surprised to discover the scope of retail thefts when he joined the bench in January, adding that criminals came from all around Michigan and out of state.
“It’s just crazy,” he said, noting he had 48 such cases on his docket one day.
“I think it will be humiliating to be out there washing cars if you see someone you know,” Clothier said.
Walmart reserved a parking area for police due to a high volume of theft calls, according to township Supervisor Scott Bennett.
“It’s an innovative approach,” county Prosecutor David Leyton said of the car washes. “Even if it deters one person, then there’s some success there.”
Shoplifters won’t be the only ones up to their elbows in soap.
“I will be there washing cars with them,” the judge said.