What do you recommend? A firing squad?

I don't know how widespread the problem is. I would imagine that it's probably more common in larger airports where the crime rate is higher across the board. Could be stereotyping here, and I admit that upfront.

However, in either case, the law is the law. A year is a very long time, and there are consequences after the sentenced is served. He will never work in government service again, and I imagine that private sector employers will not want to hire someone jailed for theft.