Course helps shoplifters avoid prison term, impulse to steal / Boston.com, 4 Nov 2004

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2004/11/04/course_
helps_shoplifters_avoid_prison_term_impulse_to_steal/Elaine Rivera
Treatment of Offenders
"Those arrested for the first time on petty larceny charges in some Virginia jurisdictions can take Walter's four-hour shoplifting prevention class and avoid jail time and a conviction. It is one of many efforts nationwide to stem the growing problem of theft in stores, a crime that retailers say costs them more than $10 billion annually and millions more in security measures.
As more retailers adopt zero-tolerance policies, even prosecuting for a stolen candy bar, many people are landing in similar classes. "