Source:
https://scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2145176/no-laughing-matter-chinese-police-hunt-boy-who-scratched-ha-ha
China/ People & Culture

No laughing matter: Chinese police hunt boy who scratched ‘ha ha’ onto cars

Young vandal’s spree was caught on security cameras and his parents have been urged to make themselves known to the authorities

The boy was filmed vandalising at least five cars. Photo: kankanews.com

Authorities in southwest China are trying to track down a young boy who left scratches on at least five vehicles in a car park last Saturday, writing the words “Ha Ha” on to the bodies of some of the cars, according to a local newspaper report.

Surveillance video footage shows a boy of about 10 years old walking between vehicles and dragging something across their surface, Chongqing News reported.

The incident occurred at a garage near a shopping centre in Chongqing and customers were horrified when they returned to find their cars damaged.

Police are now looking for the boy and have encouraged his parents to come forward.

Drivers have demanded compensation from the property management firm that owns the garage, but the company has denied responsibility and told the newspaper that a manager would discuss the matter with the motorists later this week.

A legal expert was quoted as saying that an underage boy could not be legally responsible for compensation, but his legal guardians could find themselves liable to pay for the damage caused.