Amanda Bynes' father allegedly thinks she would benefit from ''a long stint in jail.''

The 28-year-old star's mother, Lynn Bynes, is eager to fly to New York City to ''save'' her again after she was arrested last week for driving under the influence (DUI), but her husband, Rick Bynes, reportedly doesn't think there is anything else they can do to help the troubled actress, who was allegedly caught trying to steal a $200 hat at Barneys in Manhattan today (08.10.14).

A source told gossip website RadarOnline.com: ''Lynn had been making plans to go to New York City because she had been growing so concerned about Amanda's bizarre behaviour.

''Rick was opposed to the visit and thought it would be a waste of Lynn's time and their money because there is nothing she can do to help Amanda. Amanda would likely refuse to see her anyway -- and that would be if Lynn could even find her.

''[Lynn] is really torn between taking her husband's advice and saving Amanda. It's an impossible situation for Lynn.''

The insider added: ''Her parents are surprised that she hasn't been arrested in New York City yet ... though Rick thinks a long stint in jail would be the best thing for Amanda.''

Meanwhile, the 'Easy A' actress, who was placed under her mother's care via a conservatorship after she was involuntarily hospitalised last year following months of erratic behaviour, reportedly ''acted crazy'' when she was accused of stealing at Barneys, but security let her go after she claimed she didn't mean to take the hat out of the store and was merely trying to escape being chased by fans, according to gossip website TMZ.com.

The upmarket department store made her sign a no-trespass agreement, banning her from entering the shop ever again.