but it has limitations. Not everyone can learn a suitable skill (for a variety of reasons). There are obviously people with real needs who fall through the cracks and steal out of desperation.

I am not sure there is such a thing as a nice, clean prison (and that's another draw on tax payers)

When I hear people say "have more babies" I return them to this. If there are already too many people to have food, education, a safe place to sleep, the answer is NOT more babies.