Crime wave may be linked to Lunar New Year

The mainland has been rocked by explosions, robberies and assassinations in the past few days, but experts say the nation is still stable and the recent crime wave is not part of a wider trend.

Social analysts believe many of the crimes may be connected to the approaching Lunar New Year. As millions of urban labourers prepare to return home for the holidays, some may turn to crime to fund the trip.

'Many farmers are allowed to leave their villages to find work in the cities these days and some actually become quite successful and start businesses,' said Wang Guiguo, a law professor and mainland expert at the City University of Hong Kong.

'As a result, people in general feel they have a brighter future. However, it's not unusual for some people to feel left out or turn to crime in these fast-changing times.'

Adding to the strain, returning workers are traditionally expected to come bearing gifts and cash. The mainland is still a cash economy; few have credit cards or can borrow from banks to solve temporary difficulties.

'As a result, you've created pressure for people to commit crime or created opportunities for criminals to steal cash from holiday travellers in the days ahead,' said Professor Wang, who also believes that the rise in the amount of media coverage of crime might have helped create an impression that crime is on the rise.