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Hubei

Did detective novels inspire thief?

Wuhan police detained a man, surnamed Wang, on Thursday who is suspected of stealing four mobile phones from three of his roommates, all of whom worked at a hotpot restaurant. One of the roommates told police that Wang, 30, was a new member of staff and had disappeared since the theft. Police found Wang had more than 10 detective novels, which they believe he was studying to improve his criminal skills.