BEIJING: Three students from China who chased a thief for 800 metres after the phone was stolen at a subway station in Italy have been praised for their bravery by netizens.
Koukou, a student from Yunnan in southwestern China, is studying architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan.
On March 15, Koukou and her friends Bin and La, were riding the subway in Milan when a thief snatched Bin’s phone as the doors were closing.
Koukou quickly grabbed the door and shouted “stop” at the thief, and the trio chased him while Koukou filmed the pursuit.
After losing the thief at a transfer station, subway police joined the search.
Bin told officers that the thief was wearing all black. A passer-by also provided useful information.
The police guided the group through multiple subway lines, but at times, they lost track of the thief and even mistook other passengers for him.
Just as they were about to give up, the police received a lead and directed the group to platform 3.
Koukou realised how dangerous the situation had become when she noticed the officers were armed.
Eventually, Bin spotted the thief in the crowd on platform 5, and with help from a bystander in a red outfit who tripped him, the police quickly arrested the culprit.
Bin’s phone was recovered, and the police gave her tissues and water to clean it.
In Italy, theft can be punished with up to three years in prison and a fine.
Koukou said: “The whole process was so intense. We chased the thief for about 800 metres and finally succeeded! Never mess with a Chinese woman.”
She expressed her gratitude to the police and the brave bystanders who helped, and plans to present a thankful banner to the subway officers.
Koukou also shared some theft prevention tips with netizens, such as using a phone strap and antitheft locks on luggage.
“Anyone coming to Italy should stay alert and avoid using your phone while walking,” she added.
The incident went viral on mainland social media, with the video attracting two million likes.
One netizen said: “These girls are amazing! Huge respect for their courage, intelligence, and endurance.”
“Since that day, there has been a rumour among local thieves that they definitely should not steal from Asian women,” another person said.
One woman shared her own story: “While studying abroad, my phone was snatched on the street, so I chased the thief for several blocks on a shared bike. With help from passers-by, I got my phone back.
“I scared my parents half to death. They told me to just buy a new phone, but I could not accept it. I am a Chinese woman who never gives up.” - South China Morning Post
