Two thieves trying to steal air conditioner parts in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, failed to heed a warning to stop until a witness threatened to take their pictures.

Li Yuanshun, 65, a retiree couldn't fall asleep during the heat on Thursday night and spotted two crooks trying to steal the outdoor part of the air-conditioner.

Li shouted to the two thieves to stop them, but the thieves told the old man that it was not his business. Then Li said he would take pictures of them and then they ran away.

(China Daily July 1, 2009)