The operator of a busy shopping district has been the focus of public debate after posting photos and information on thieves on a signboard on Tuesday to warn shoppers.

The signboard, set up at the entrance of the Fashion Shopping Street market in the Taiyuanjie shopping area of Shenyang, Liaoning province, shows 20 convicted thieves' photos and lists their names, ages and criminal records.

The top of the signboard reads the "Criminal Investigation Squad of the Taiyuanjie police reminds you to take good care of your belongings and watch out for theft".

In a survey on Sina Weibo, China's main micro-blogging platform, more than 60 percent of netizens supported the move.

A signboard attracts the attention of passers-by in a market in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Tuesday. The signboard, set up at the entrance of the market, shows 20 convicted thieves and lists their names, ages and criminal records as a warning to shoppers. [Li Duoduo / for China Daily]