Public punishment was popular during the 18th century, but it's making a comeback in Bedford County.

Police accuse 35-year-old Tina Griekspoor and her mother Evelyn of stealing and spending a gift card from a 9-year-old on her birthday. Instead of jail time, the mother-daughter duo stood in downtown Bedford holding signs admitting their guilt and warning the public that they could be in their place if they do the same crime.

The Bedford County District Attorney's Office is launching a public punishment program as a way to deter crime and force the people involved to realize what they did was wrong.

Griekspoor and her mother will plead guilty in court in the next few weeks. They won't serve any time in jail but will be placed on probation.