In some cities this has extended to a policy of not prosecuting theft or shoplifting as a felony, ie no risk of jail, unless the amount is very large, ie >$1000. Can you imagine trying to run a small retail business in one of those cities?
Recall reading a story about some city where the DA said he wasn't going to "bother" with any theft/shoplifting crime <$200... not even as a misdemeanor.
Can you imagine? Able to steal/shoplift all day, every day, multiple times per day... any amount up to $200 per incident with no fear of repercussion? Sounds like a thief could "make a good living".
Who said, "crime doesn't pay"?