http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23686277

Yeah, right.

There are plenty of people inside who are no real threat to society. It would make fiscal sense. They might be able to close a few prisons if they did so.

They might not be a threat, but you still have to punish them. Community service isn't gonna cut it if you're a shop owner who's had their window put in and their stock nicked; you'd be looking for the scrotes to get at least a suspended sentence, preferably time. Most of the people inside are gonna be there because they've got history.

And if you got a tough magistrate or one that was having a bad day? Well...

Well you could fine them. Though for a rich criminal it just becomes an occupational hazard having to pay a fine. In the Netherlands they have weekend and overnight prisons for those with jobs. So you can still keep your job and do some gaol time. Though you could always have more community service arrangements or fines.

Do not jail thieves and fraudsters,

Beat them??? Hang them?