Modern Robin Hood arrested for theft in China

Known as a charismatic boss and kindhearted philanthropist during the day, but a habitual thief, stealing precious jewels from high class community buildings at night.

It may sound like the fairy tale hijinks of Robin Hood, but a man arrested in southern Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, is just that.

The story recently went viral after police arrested the man, surnamed Yu, on burglary charges, the local public security bureau told Xinhua Thursday.

The case all started earlier this year with a local resident reporting lost items such as gold necklaces, rings, gold bracelets and tablet computers. The bureau received several similar cases, all happening in high-rise buildings.

Investigations concluded the suspect snuck into residential houses via gas conduits during the wee hours of the night. As police continued delving into the case, they soon found the case wasn't as cut and dry as they initially perceived.

Further records found Yu had been living in a five-star hotel since late 2013. The 27 year old, called "Boss Yu" by those familiar with him, is often seen lingering in high-end clubs and hotels, or donating money to local welfare houses and charity organizations in the daytime. But at night, he took off his suit to live a double-life as a pilferer of property.

Yu confessed to police that he had stolen items worth more than 500,000 yuan (80,802 US dollars) in some 20 cases since November 2013.

Further investigation into the case is under way.