Public warned to be wary of theft as holiday nears

Local police warned the public to pay extra attention to their personal belongings as Spring Festival approaches, after officers were still searching for a 24-year-old robbery suspect who robbed a Qingpu district jewelry shop Sunday.

Police said that people in the city, who are desperate for cash before returning home for Spring Festival, are more likely to resort to stealing from shops and individuals in the coming days.

"The thief who took the gold bracelet isn't likely to be dangerous to the public," Jin Bin, a press officer for Qingpu district police, told the Global Times last night. "But, we want the public to be aware of the situation.

"If people spot someone stealing, they should alert police right away," he said.

The male suspect, about 172 centimeters in height, was described by witnesses as thin with short black hair, wearing a yellow jacket. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call police at 110.