Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport police recently detained two men, one surnamed Zhou, 38, the other Du, 44, both from Henan province, for stealing cash from the luggage of four sleeping fellow passengers onboard a flight to Guangzhou.

Airline staff had received reports of the thefts and sought police help before the plane landed in Guangzhou.

Police retrieved more than 20,000 yuan ($2,930) in cash from the pair.

Zhou and Du decided to become air bandits inspired by the example of a fellow villager who had prospered on air pilferage.