But whether it's a repeat offense is taken into account by almost every criminal justice system. A first-time thief might get off with a light sentence by claiming that they needed money and made a stupid mistake. That's not going to fly when it happens for the third time.
New Zealand had one until last month, when it was repealed. Their ACT and National parties have said they will bring it back if they ever get a chance.
I don't know enough about New Zealand politics to know if those parties have a chance of actually doing so.
They're sleepwalking to a win in the next election, sadly[1].
[1] I say sadly, less because I like the current government, and more because they seem desperate to import Bannon-esque culture war nonsense like attacking women's rights.
There's even judges who love baseball so much they quote it in opinions lol.