While the rest of the world’s banks, malls and office buildings are guarded by geriatric donut munchers, the task of maintaining civil order in China often falls on the shoulders of youngsters like these.

According to photographer Iain Bonner, teenage bao ans (security guards) are everywhere you look, often dozing in the sun or smoking with their buddies. The unlikelihood of these cherubs actually overpowering anyone makes Iain wonder if they’re not just there for appearance’s sake, which we agree is a sad waste of time.

On the other hand, they do seem effective. We challenge you to look through these photos and think of committing any crime other than first degree cheekicide.