“Grand theft” vs. “petty theft” is based on the value of the goods stolen. This is not new. A quick search shows that the carts at Walmart are valued around $2,500. If they’d stolen a car valued at $2,500, it would be grand theft. If they’d stolen electronics valued at $2,500, it would be grand theft. Why should this item be different?
Because the value of items when the statue was enacted has not kept pace with current valuation. They did not steal a car, nor electronics. While I am not defending them stealing Walmart property, their stunt was nothing more than something kids did years ago. The point I am making is that they are incredibly stupid but hardly felonious. If the only reaction to any crime, no matter the severity, is to charge someone with a felony, we will all be criminals in short order.