China Citizen Heroes: Man spends decades catching pickpockets in Shanxi Province

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The Chinese Lunar New Year is two months away. And with the holiday season comes a rise in petty crime. Some brave volunteers in Shanxi Province are helping to keep the streets safe by keeping an eye out for pickpockets. CGTN reporter Hu Chao has the story.

A pair of non-descript glasses and a mask. Feng Liming is getting ready for work. Standing and observing, Feng spends more time riding buses than staying in the office. Well, it's time to clear up the mystery and take off the disguise. 36-year-old Feng Liming has helped catch pickpockets in Shanxi Province's capital city, Taiyuan, for nearly twenty years.

FENG LIMING, SECURITY DEPT. TAIYUAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT GROUP "I have many wigs, hats and false beards. These props help me hide right in front of thieves. I take them with me every day, so I can use them anytime and anywhere to catch thieves."

Feng has set up a team of around ten people to fight pickpocketing. He and his team mates work in close cooperation with local police. Three times each month they head outside to watch out for thieves. Feng says it's dangerous work, but he's up to the task.

FENG LIMING, SECURITY DEPT. TAIYUAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT GROUP "It's quite exciting. When there's danger, your adrenalin rises."

Feng's volunteer crime fighting team has caught nearly 2,000 criminals and helped break up over 20 gangs. They've also retrieved stolen items worth around a million yuan.

FENG LIMING, SECURITY DEPT. TAIYUAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT GROUP "Helping others always makes me happy. This job is a pleasure for me. It's even become routine."

Feng has won 23 awards for his brave actions. Two at a national level. His bravery has earned him a lot of respect and appreciation from those that he's helped.

FENG LIMING, SECURITY DEPT. TAIYUAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT GROUP "I also feel touched by many people who have been concerned about me. Their recognition has encouraged me to stick to my job."

Feng graduated from police school and he used to serve in the army. After all these years, he says he still wants to become a policeman one day. But his biggest wish is for his city to be free of crime, with no thieves to catch at all. Hu Chao, CGTN, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province.