Guards in a bind over unlawful detainment

Source:Globaltimes.cn Published: 2013-8-25 18:02:16

A suspected thief stands with hands tied to a railing on top of wall after security guards at a residential compound in Wuhan, Hubei Province caught him breaking into apartments on August 23. Photo: Wuhan Evening News


Security guards at an apartment complex in Wuhan could face charges for leaving an apprehended burglar tied up in public for five hours before handing him over to police.

Local lawmen took the suspect in custody after he was displayed with his arms tied behind his back at the foot of a wall outside the Guoxin Xincheng Community in the city's eastern Hanyang district, reports the Wuhan Evening News on August 24.

A property manager at the residential community explained that guards were not only preventing the burglar from escaping before police arrived, but also attempting to deflect recent criticism from residents for a string of break-ins that has plagued the community since July.

According to Li Jian, security team leader at the compound, he and two other guards caught the suspect as he slid down gas pipes running along an apartment building exterior around 2:30am on August 23.

The intruder was found with a laptop, two mobile phones, two watches and an iPad. 

He and his team then restrained the man to an overhead railing in front of the community, which runs along a busy street, to the surprise of commuters and pedestrians.

The punishment has gotten mixed reviews from local residents.

"This should teach him a lesson and serve as a warning for other burglars who are thinking about robbing from here," said a resident surnamed Lin.

"A thief is also entitled to dignity. Even the police cover suspects' faces during arrests," said another resident.

According to a legal expert, the security guards could be charged with unlawful detainment. An investigation is underway and no charges have yet been filed. 


Web Editor: liyingxa@globaltimes.com.cn


Posted in: Odd News

blog comments powered by Disqus