Free wash? See the “humiliating” punishment Walmart enforces on shoplifters
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A new form of justice is being served up in the parking lot of the local Walmart.
It's not your typical slap on the wrist or stern warning; it's a full-blown car wash extravaganza, but with a twist.
The workers aren't volunteers raising money for a school trip or a community project—they're convicted shoplifters. How did they end up in that situation?
The “Walmart wash,” as it's been dubbed, is the brainchild of Judge Jeffrey Clothier of Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, who believes this unique form of public service will benefit shoppers and make would-be thieves think twice.
As part of their sentence, shoplifters are required to show up on weekends in March and April, when Michigan thaws out, to wash cars for free at the Grand Blanc Township Walmart.
The idea of public humiliation as a deterrent is not new, but it's certainly controversial. Judge Clothier, a seasoned attorney and lifelong resident of Genesee County, insists that the car wash punishment is more than just a spectacle; it's a lesson in consequences.
“I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck,” he said. “But there’s going to be consequences when you break the law.”
Also read: Shocking Walmart policy change leaves shoppers furious: Here’s why one person’s trip took 4 hours!
"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.
The judge's approach has garnered support from several city officials and lawmakers, including county Prosecutor David Leyton, who called it “an innovative approach.” Around 75 to 100 shoplifters are expected to show up for the car washes.
The hope is that the embarrassment of washing cars in full view of the public will serve as a powerful deterrent. But is the shame enough to prevent future crimes, or does it risk further alienating individuals from society?
The Grand Blanc Township Walmart, which has seen its fair share of theft, is providing all materials for the car washes and supports the initiative. This comes at a time when retailers across the US and Canada are implementing various anti-theft strategies, from locking items in cabinets to using carts with locking technology.
Walmart itself has been proactive, launching a new system that allows workers to unlock anti-theft displays with an app, reducing the need for shopper assistance and the frustration of plexiglass barriers.
The “Walmart wash” punishment has sparked a broader conversation about the best ways to address petty crime. This comes after a customer in Tennessee was banned from every Walmart in the US for stealing.
Source: CBS Chicago / Youtube.
While some applaud the judge's creative sentencing, others question the effectiveness and ethics of public shaming. Theft has worsened by a large degree in groceries, which is why Walmart launched other anti-theft strategies.
Recommended for you: Walmart employees are sporting something new with their uniforms. Have you noticed these?
Do you think the “Walmart wash” is a step in the right direction for deterring crime, or does it cross a line? Have you witnessed or heard of similar approaches in your community? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
Also read: This woman's sneaky self-checkout trick got her banned from every Walmart—learn what NOT to do!
It's not your typical slap on the wrist or stern warning; it's a full-blown car wash extravaganza, but with a twist.
The workers aren't volunteers raising money for a school trip or a community project—they're convicted shoplifters. How did they end up in that situation?
The “Walmart wash,” as it's been dubbed, is the brainchild of Judge Jeffrey Clothier of Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, who believes this unique form of public service will benefit shoppers and make would-be thieves think twice.
As part of their sentence, shoplifters are required to show up on weekends in March and April, when Michigan thaws out, to wash cars for free at the Grand Blanc Township Walmart.
Thieves caught stealing at a Walmart in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, will be forced to wash cars as part of an alternative punishment termed the “Walmart wash.” Image source: CBS Chicago / Youtube.
The idea of public humiliation as a deterrent is not new, but it's certainly controversial. Judge Clothier, a seasoned attorney and lifelong resident of Genesee County, insists that the car wash punishment is more than just a spectacle; it's a lesson in consequences.
“I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck,” he said. “But there’s going to be consequences when you break the law.”
Also read: Shocking Walmart policy change leaves shoppers furious: Here’s why one person’s trip took 4 hours!
"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.
The judge's approach has garnered support from several city officials and lawmakers, including county Prosecutor David Leyton, who called it “an innovative approach.” Around 75 to 100 shoplifters are expected to show up for the car washes.
The hope is that the embarrassment of washing cars in full view of the public will serve as a powerful deterrent. But is the shame enough to prevent future crimes, or does it risk further alienating individuals from society?
The Grand Blanc Township Walmart, which has seen its fair share of theft, is providing all materials for the car washes and supports the initiative. This comes at a time when retailers across the US and Canada are implementing various anti-theft strategies, from locking items in cabinets to using carts with locking technology.
Walmart itself has been proactive, launching a new system that allows workers to unlock anti-theft displays with an app, reducing the need for shopper assistance and the frustration of plexiglass barriers.
The “Walmart wash” punishment has sparked a broader conversation about the best ways to address petty crime. This comes after a customer in Tennessee was banned from every Walmart in the US for stealing.
Source: CBS Chicago / Youtube.
While some applaud the judge's creative sentencing, others question the effectiveness and ethics of public shaming. Theft has worsened by a large degree in groceries, which is why Walmart launched other anti-theft strategies.
Recommended for you: Walmart employees are sporting something new with their uniforms. Have you noticed these?
Do you think the “Walmart wash” is a step in the right direction for deterring crime, or does it cross a line? Have you witnessed or heard of similar approaches in your community? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
Also read: This woman's sneaky self-checkout trick got her banned from every Walmart—learn what NOT to do!
