Mmmm it always seems worse when officialdom irks us in a foreign land. But how many incidents of theft are actively pursued here in Oz, the way we would like?

Mind you, make a loud enough public noise, as Indian students did when robbed on late night trains, and look at the high visibility response that follows.

My tip is not to let this incident go. Organise a loud protest with as many victims of crime as possible, with media invited and see what happens.

I lived there a bit as an exercise in self-education. That side of China really gets me down and makes me loath to return. It's more of a mental burden than an actual hindrence, it's knowing that you are being forever treated as a suspicious person, having to register your place of residence. You move some where temporary, you're supposed to register within 24 hours but it's not worth the hassle for a short stay, so it plays on your mind, the communist regime might find you out and investigate you, fine you, stamp your passport. Once I couldn't register because they wouldn't let me, think they were trying to avoid the paperwork so were making up excuses, wanting more information which wouldn't normally be required. Surprised to read of a pick-pocket at all, don't think in Beijing that would happen, but I guess you don't get too many poverty stricken folk in Beijing. It's a good thing Chinese culture can be experienced in parts other than China, or PRC rule anyway. BTW enjoyed your pics, the Nam ones especially.