A man, working as courier in Shanghai, is reported to have accidentally dropped 17,600 yuan ($2,823) that he was supposed to deposit in a bank recently. As the currency notes flew in the wind, dozens of people made a dash for them. As a result, the man got back only 3,700 yuan. The case reflects the falling standards of morality in society today, says an article in Southern Metropolitan Daily. Excerpts:

The courier, a migrant worker, reportedly went down on his knees and begged the people who had grabbed the currency notes to return them, but almost none of them acceded to his request. Failing to get back the entire amount, the courier reported the case immediately to police but they could retrieve only 3,700 yuan.

The media have appealed to the people who "looted" the money to return it to the migrant worker, whose annual income would add up to the amount he was carrying to deposit in the bank. But instead of the people who pocketed the money, others have come forward to help the courier with donations.

According to criminal psychology, people usually indulge in open plunder when they are certain that their identity cannot be established by law enforcement officers and no one will try to retrieve the stolen property.

Rather than appealing to people for help, police should have conducted a thorough investigation, like checking CCTV footage and enquiring with shopkeepers and residents, to identify the people who fled with the courier's money. And the authorities, on their part, should enact legislation to punish people who take part in such open theft.