News 12 @ 11 o'clock -- September 13, 2008

AUGUSTA, GA --one woman is paying the price for shoplifting, and they way she's doing it just may surprise you.
It's not the sign you'd expect to find in front of any store, but one Columbia County judge hopes a little public humiliation will stop folks from using the five finger discount.
This sign is this woman's punishment for shoplifting

At the Walmart on Bobby Jones, the woman who had to wear the sign says the punishment was just too much, but some Walmart shoppers say the punishment is just right.

I think it's fair, she got caught, it's her fault," said Walmart shopper Joshua Orvin.

For Lawrence Rolen, this punishment is exactly what criminals need.

"I think there should be more public display like that rather than locking them up," said Walmart shopper Lawrence Rolen.

News 12 spoke with Walmart and they said the store had nothing to do with the punishment, it was the judge's decision.

"I think the judge was merciful. It's pretty embarrassing but if that's what it takes to stop shoplifting then that's what it takes," said Joshua.

And speaking off camera, the woman tells News 12 this is something she never wants to do again.

"They learn their lesson quicker when it's done that way," said Lawrence.

Something this sign holder can definitely agree with.

This isn't the first time this sign has been seen in front of a store around here. Columbia County is certainly hoping a little repetition will stop this common crime. The newly renovated store sits on the Columbia/Richmond county line with the grocery section in Richmond and general merchandise in Columbia; the county that handles the crime depends on where it happens in the store.