There are so many in China that steal and don't get caught
That is simply to say , "all days are for the thief and one day is for the owner". He has been caught and penalized maximally which is meant to scare other intending thieves away. He must have violated a section of the Chinese law or rule whose penalty is also known or inscribed therein.
Yes, I agreed with you, probably there's one time that they are caught and penalized by the authority. Not now, but for sure time to time they were busted and jailed for how many years. Stealing in government property is easy to trace them so, that is not a good idea at all.
You can work hard without stealing that makes ruined your life.