Sayyiduna Ismah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: In the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), a slave committed theft. His case was brought before the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and he (peace and blessings be upon him) pardoned him. Then he was brought before him (peace and blessings be upon him) a second time, having stolen, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) pardoned him. Then he was brought a third time, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) pardoned him. Then he was brought a fourth time, having stolen, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) pardoned him. Then he was brought a fifth time, having stolen, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered his hand to be cut off. Then his case was brought before him (peace and blessings be upon him) a sixth time, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered his foot to be cut off. Then he was brought a seventh time, and he ordered (the other) hand to be cut off. Then he was brought an eighth time, and he ordered (the other) foot to be cut off. And the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Four for four."
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب العين / 14555