It is narrated from Sayyiduna al-Harith bin Hatib al-Jumahi (may Allah be pleased with him) that a thief was brought to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Kill him." The people said: O Messenger of Allah, he has only stolen. He (peace and blessings be upon him) again said: "Kill him." The people again said: O Messenger of Allah, he has only stolen. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Cut off his hand." Then he stole again, and his foot was cut off. Then he stole during the caliphate of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), until all his hands and feet had been cut off. Then he stole a fifth time, and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said "Kill him," he (peace and blessings be upon him) knew this man's end better than we did.
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب الحاء / 3395