Robert Wollert is a career criminal who was considered the top car thief in Fresno last year. He's been arrested and rearrested several times by Fresno police, only to be released early from the crowded county jail. He's so arrogant toward the criminal justice system, that he blew off court appearances, believing authorities wouldn't punish him.

Finally, the 32-year-old Fresno resident was going to be held responsible for his crime spree. Standing before Superior Court Judge Houry Sanderson Wednesday, Wollert faced a sentenced of nine years, which would have meant about 4 1/2 years of actual time in county jail. But this criminal got probation.

That's it. No jail time. Wollert stole several hundred cars, according to police estimates, and the judge essentially offered him a chance to turn his life around.

It seems to us, such mercy should be reserved for criminals just entering the justice system, not for career criminals. The message that was sent Wednesday was car theft is not a big deal in Fresno. Prepare for your insurance rates to go up. Auto thieves get a pass.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said the light sentence could only serve to embolden career criminals like Wollert. "Often, the lack of consequences not only sends a message to the offender, but to other criminals, saying that they're able to continue a life of crime without facing serious consequences," Dyer said.

The chief said he understands that the courts don't have the resources to handle everyone his officers arrest. "That's why we are focusing on the 10-percenters -- the most violent, most prolific thieves," Dyer said. Wollert is a 10-percenter, and he's on the streets.

Wollert has caught many breaks. If he had been sentenced before a new state policy went into effect last October, he would have been sent to state prison for nine years. But under Gov. Jerry Brown's realignment plan, his sentence would have been served in county jail.

The crucial point is that he should have done time in county jail, even with the new state policy. The judge actually gave Wollert the nine-year sentence, but put it on hold so he can go on probation. If he reoffends, he could get actual jail time.

We believe that Wollert has already earned a jail sentence. How many more families need to have their cars stolen, and lives disrupted, before auto theft is considered a serious crime in Fresno?