Lost Property. Seriously.
Sun 8 Oct 2006Just over a week ago, Mrs Fitz lost a gold filigree heart-shaped pendant in Dali, southern China. Subsequent events gave an intriguing insight into just how seriously the Chinese regard law and order issues.
Here she is at the Great Wall with #2 Son, Andy, in early September.
She was wearing the pendant that day.Late on September 26, in Dali, she noticed that the catch on her gold chain was undone and the pendant was missing. Here’s her full account, and here’s an excerpt…
Spent an hour at the police station today. As you do. Noticed yesterday evening that the locket from my gold chain was missing and the chain was undone. Probably an accident. Many SMSs back and forth to Mike to find out which hoops we have to jump through for the Travel Insurance company. Had to report it to the police and have verifying documentation within 24 hours. Told Edward the guide this morning and, no kidding, within 60 seconds FIVE policemen, including one with 3 pips arrived at the hotel. Big discussion followed. Conclusion: Turn up at the police station after finishing our touring at 5pm today. Very primitive facilities at the station. No computers. Everything handwritten and millions of words spoken. Had to be accompanied by the city guide and the national guide (Edward). All this for a $261 locket! Quite an experience. The worst was all the policemen smoked.
Five policemen showed up at the hotel within seconds. Here’s Edward, the guide, showing where the pendant used to be.Could an Australian ever expect such a response time from our own police services? Tell him he’s dreaming!
But the silver lining is this: We now have this magnificent hand-written police report with its official red-star stamp. It’s a work of art!
(I wonder if the travel insurance company will now charge us more than the pendant is worth to have the police report translated.)
October 8th, 2006 at 9:50
That’s amazing. I imagine if you told a police officer here that you lost your gold locket you’d get a bored, “so?” as a response (just like when I lost my driver’s licence at Surfers Paradise once - I thought it was important to report that stuff to the police in case your licence is picked up and later used for fraudulent purposes!) It’s great that they take this stuff seriously though. It gives you faith that if the police are that efficient and concerned about a locket, imagine how great they’ll be if something truly bad happens! Australian police should really take note.
October 8th, 2006 at 11:32
Hi MmeBoff,
Hey, Happy Birthday for Friday! The big 2-5.
I don’t mean to run down our own boys in blue; there are many dedicated people there. They’re just under-resourced.
Also, perhaps Chinese police have more time on their hands because, after decades of Communism, the crime rate is now remarkably low. Speaking (quietly) to some of the locals, one gets the impression that punishments more than fit the crime. (More of that later…)
October 9th, 2006 at 17:52
Crime rates low in China! No sireeeee!
You want to talk to some of the people who work in our China office. Pickpockets, thefts, rip-offs, scams are rampant.
It’s simply that there is full employment. Everybody has a job. They might not pay much, and there might not be much to do… but when an occasion like this arises there will be a swarm because… its something to do!
October 10th, 2006 at 12:04
G’day Ashleigh: Where’s your China office? Beijing? Shanghai?
Mrs Fitz said she felt quite safe walking in the streets. But maybe she WAS the victim of a pickpocket.
October 10th, 2006 at 20:58
Shenzhen. Just over the border from HK.
Take a read of some of the earlier entry in my colleagues blog: thenewmans.id.au.
I’ll be there in a couple of weeks - generally its not too bad, but in the crowds you are advised to never keep a wallet in a back pocket, use a front / side pocket, and keep a hand in there or very close by.
Last time I was there I had no trouble at all - apart from being hassled constantly to buy things.
October 10th, 2006 at 21:01
Oops. Screwed up the link to that one. thenewmans.id.au. (Link fixed. I’d better get that Comment Preview going — Mike)
One day I’ll tell you about how business in China actually works. Not the basket of roses its made out to be. Number of employees sacked for corruption… how factories really work… and on and on…
Mind you - lots and lots of very pleasant Chinese everywhere you go. Just lots of sharp operators as well
October 10th, 2006 at 22:22
Wow! The Newmans have lots of fascinating stuff to read.
Yes, I know a few people who have been invited into “joint ventures” with some of these “sharp operators”. On reading the fine print of the proposal, one realises how the takings are to be split. The Aussies take all the risk and the Chinese take all the money.