MUGR: PLS RTRN MY FON. WWJD?

This is rather heartwarming, in a technology-meets-criminology kind of way.

Pan Aiying, a teacher in the eastern province of Shandong, had her bag containing her mobile phone, bank cards and 4,900 yuan ($630) snatched by a man riding a motorcycle as she cycled home on Friday, Xinhua said, citing the Qilu Evening News.

Pan first thought of calling the police but she decided to try to persuade the young man to return her bag.

I'm reminded of that Seinfeld episode in which Jerry's car is stolen, so he calls the thief on the car phone to try to persuade him to return it when he's done.  As I recall, it didn't turn out well.

After trying unsuccessfully to reach her mugger on the phone, Pan began texting him.  A lot.

"I'm Pan Aiying, a teacher from Wutou Middle School. You must be going through a difficult time. If so, I will not blame you," wrote Pan in her first text message which did not get a response.

"Keep the 4,900 yuan if you really need it, but please return the other things to me. You are still young. To err is human. Correcting your mistakes is more important than anything," Pan wrote.

She gave up hope of seeing her possessions again after sending 21 text messages without a reply.

One of Pan's many messages must've gotten through to the miscreant, because not only did he return her bag, he didn't even keep the cash.

"Dear Pan: I'm sorry. I made a mistake. Please forgive me," a letter inside said.

"You are so tolerant even though I stole from you. I'll correct my ways and be an upright person."

Someone needs to hire this woman as a hostage negotiator.

(HT: Gizmodo)