Is this true?

Colin Espiner writes:

The sad fact is, your chances of going to jail are far higher if you swipe a packet of cigarettes from a service station than you are if you con an elderly couple into investing in a pyramid scheme.

Here’s the challenge. Has anyone ever gone to prison for stealing something worth around $20, if that is their only crime?

I doubt it. I think Colin would be surprised how many times you would have to shoplift before you end up with a custodial sentence.