Mixian Ice Cream City claims to bind the thief on a bridge and show it for 8 hours
In Guangzhou, a city in the southern province of Guangdong, an unusual incident has generated heated debate on Chinese social media platforms, including Weibo. A local ice cream store called Mixian Ice Cream City claimed to have bound a thief for eight hours on a bridge, leaving many netizens perplexed and outraged. While some praised the store's innovative approach to deterring theft, others criticized it as illegal and excessive.
7 October 2023
On August 9th, a video was shared on Weibo showing a man bound to a pole for allegedly stealing something from Mixian Ice Cream City. The man remained tied up for eight hours, sparking a variety of reactions among netizens. Some were critical of the store's methods, which they deemed as illegal and ineffective.
One user commented, "When does Mixian Ice Cream bind thieves? It's not only illegal but also inhumane." Another Weibo user shared their frustration, saying, "The lack of fear for the law from some individuals is alarming. They continue to steal despite the consequences and get away with it easily, leading them to repeat these actions."
However, many netizens supported Mixian Ice Cream City's approach, viewing it as a unique method to tackle the prevalent issue of theft in China. "I think it's a creative way to deter thieves," said one user. "It's an effective lesson for those who steal."
Despite the mixed reactions, many netizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of crime control and law enforcement in China. Some users felt that it was unfair to condemn Mixian Ice Cream City without considering the broader societal issues around crime. One user said, "It's a symptom of a larger problem. If something can be stolen so easily, why not just steal?"
The incident also sparked discussions about crime prevention measures in businesses. While some users felt that installing cameras was a more appropriate solution, others argued that this approach would only serve as a deterrent for honest customers, rather than thieves. "If theft is a problem, why not just steal something high-end? The public exposure on a pedestrian overpass for eight hours is too extreme," wrote one user.
As the debate continues to unfold on Weibo, it's clear that this incident has sparked important conversations about crime and its prevention in China. While opinions vary widely, one thing is certain: this event has brought into sharp focus the challenges faced by businesses and law enforcement in tackling the issue of theft in a society where the rule of law is not always respected or enforced equally.