Inaction Hero

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:11:27 +0800

I've probably busted up some 20 pickpocket attempts in Shanghai, mostly around the Chengshu subway, where I used to live. The pickpockets around town, mostly, but certainly not limited to Uighur kids working for their Dickens-esque adult handlers, are amazingly brazen. This is largely the byproduct of the local philosophy of apathy when it comes to intervening on thieves at work. However, in the event that a thief flees across the street and gets hit by a car, you should then feel perfectly welcome to stand over their body and gawk at them as you enjoy a cigarette. A stern shout of warning to a pickpocket's mark, or better yet, directly at the culprit themselves—something like "gun dan xiao tou" (fuck off thief)—is usually enough to head of the situation with virtually no trouble. Contrary to what locals believe, your action will not bring barbarians out from behind the shadows to exact revenge against your heroism. In the end, you’ll have saved some innocent xiao jie from getting her wallet or mobile phone pinched. Your good dead will be deeply appreciated, and you may even get a date out of the deal. This Chinese New Year lets all be model citizens.

nanheyangrouchuan

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:57:42 +0800

Shows how ineffectual the local PSB is. Vigilante justice...Bernhard Goetz is everywhere!

nanheyangrouchuan

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:57:05 +0800

Shows how ineffectual the local PSB is. Vigilante justice...David Goetz is everywhere!

Shanghaiist: The Haikou anti-pickpocket team: a photo essay

Inaction Hero

nanheyangrouchuan

nanheyangrouchuan