Vlad the Impeller, when even the smallest thief was impelled and shown at public places as a warning to anyone who was thinking to commit any crime. They said (documents from that period) that a fountain in most crowded plaza of the capital city had a golden pot to be used by thirsty people for drinking water. And no one had stolen it for a long time.... So it works sometimes if it is used as a common rule and for anyone who is committing crimes.