Caught red-handed after trying to make off with a woman’s handbag, a thief bargained with his victim to keep part of the loot, claiming it was a guild requirement, the Liaosheng Evening News reported.

The incident took place on Monday when the woman had her purse with 400 yuan (US$49) in it stolen inside a shop in Huludao of Liaoning Province. She went after the fellow and caught him.

When asked to return the money, the thief said he could only return 300 yuan (US$37), citing a guild regulation that he was bound by. The amused woman gave him 100 yuan and let him go.

By Sun Tzu on 04-11-2006