Deterring Shoftlifters, Chinese-Style

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 | by Pat's Picks

There’s a new import from China being seen at some stores around New York City: a new way to deal with shoplifters. Chinese-run stores in the five boroughs depend on the motto, “steal one fine ten,” when it comes to deterring pilferers. Customers are given a chance to pay a shoplifting price for the item they tried to steal before their picture goes up in the store and a call to the police is made. According to the New York Times, some say the technique is basically extortion and have questioned whether it is legal under state law. But community organizers say the point it moot in the city’s Chinese neighborhoods where the fear of deportation outweighs a perceived injustice.