"We caught seven thieves in Hankou District and 12 in Wuchang District today" an online notice announced. The achievement was not made by police, but by an anti-theft union set up by several young volunteers in 2003 in Wuhan, capital city of Hubei Province.

Yet their actions have aroused controversy among locals. Some residents said it is too risky. Wuhan Public Security Bureau refused to comment, saying it appreciated residents action against criminals; but under the current law, volunteers have no rights to search other's bodies or take pictures of thieves.

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