Associated Press

GIRARD, Ohio — An Ohio man chose to wear a sign proclaiming he's a thief rather than go to jail after trying to steal a 52-inch television.

Greg Davenport, of Liberty Township, pleaded no contest this month to a theft charge for stealing from a Wal-Mart in the township in December.

The man said the sign is better than being in jail. (Facebook Image)

A judge in Girard gave Davenport, 44, the sentencing option of 30 days in jail or wearing a sign saying, "I am a thief. I stole from WalMart."

Davenport has to wear the sign in front of the store eight hours a day for 10 days of his choosing.

Police Chief Richard Tisone said he hopes the sign embarrasses Davenport enough to prevent him from committing the same crime again.

"Maybe you can get to their inner side. Maybe they're a little embarrassed by the fact they have to hold a sign up, so it might affect some of these individuals, so I'm all for it," he said.

Davenport said the sign is better than being in jail, and he just wants to finish his punishment. He said he isn't embarrassed by the punishment.

"I stole, I got punished. That's it," he said.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press