Cannot comment about China, but again from anectodal personal experience in India, the component of street justice in some places cannot be totally ruled out.

Cannot comment about China, but again from anectodal personal experience in India, the component of street justice in some places cannot be totally ruled out. If you are caught by a mob while stealing .. brace for Impact! edit: The broader point being "risk" component of theft in certain places is sometimes inhibitive in spite of apathy from authorities.