Judge Jeffrey Clothier ordered the thieves to wash cars for free in a Walmart parking lot, following the conviction, according to The Associated Press. Clothier is attempting to discourage criminals from stealing from the store, according to the report.

Clothier told The Associated Press that he began ordering "Walmart wash" sentences this week for misdemeanor shoplifting at the store in Grand Blanc Township, 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Detroit. He believes 75 to 100 people eventually will be ordered to wash cars at weekend events at that location in March and April.

A Michigan judge is putting sponges in the hands of shoplifters and ordering them to wash cars in a Walmart parking lot when spring weather arrives.