Crime, Criminals (and punishment) in China:

Crime, Criminals (and punishment) in China:

Unlike the U.S. where you might get mugged at gun-point — or parts of Europe where pick-pocketing tourists has been elevated to an art form. Crime against foreigners are becoming common. And violent crime — like mugging and rape — against foreigners the same.Women travelers have told me that they feel much safe walking the city streets of China alone at night.
 
China has draconian criminal penalties and executes more criminals annually than any other country). It’s also commonly reported that Chinese courts have a 99% conviction rate.

 One road trip you won't want to take.

Chinese criminals understand that committing a crime against a foreigner is bad publicity (or “loss of face”) for the country’s lucrative tourism industry. As a result, not many risk the unusually harsh punishment of a government that now operates mobile execution units — also known as “death vans” (so futuristic and efficient!).
 
One should be aware that clueless foreign tourists are tempting targets for pickpockets. Pickpocketing, unlike outright robbery, is more common in China since it’s easier for criminals to get away with (no hard evidence). So be especially wary in touristy-areas or crowded places like buses, markets, and train stations. Pickpockets often work in groups to crowd or distract you. Similarly, one person might distract you somehow (e.g. bumping into you, getting into an argument, or “dropping” their change), while their accomplices pick your pocket or steals your bag.

Where's Waldo?

Don’t stash any valuables (such as cameras or iPods) behind you in a backpack pocket or put all of your cash in a bulging wallet (separate your small spending money from your hidden main stash). Be especially wary at train stations. For example, while waiting in line to buy your ticket, the Chinese tend to butt in and push really tight (for fear of someone else is cutting in line!) so be particularly cautious about that guy behind you. Also, when at the ticket counter, don’t just casually leave your bag next to you.
 
If you happen to bust a pickpocket in the act (or are getting scammed or whatever), make a big loud scene. Even if no one around you can understand you (or will come to your rescue), the last thing the pickpocket/wants is attention. And nothing draws a crowd in China like some sort of conflict (especially from a hysterical foreigner!). Assuming you’re in the right, the other person will usually back off quickly. With luck, a policeman will come by (and will almost invariably take the side of a foreign tourist).
Another hot spot for thieves is in crowded restaurants. Notice that the Chinese never just hang their purses or bags on the chair behind them. Instead, they usually eat with it still draped around their shoulder and on their laps. There’s a reason that they do that. Similarly, don’t let your guard down in Starbucks. You might be fooled into thinking that the customers are of a higher caliber, but shady characters sometimes wait patiently for some dumb ass to leave their laptop unattended while they use the toilet.
Bicycle theft is still a big problem. If you happen to be traveling with an expensive bike, always bring it indoors (professional thieves in China can open most locks quickly). And it’s a good idea to lock your luggage to a rack when traveling by train.
Also, experienced travelers will also tell you to be wary of other travelers in your hostel going through your bag. Many of us tend to let our guard down around other seemingly friendly foreigners who we meet on the road. But shady people travel too (I’m looking to you, Joran van der Sloot). And after running out of money, these low-life criminals make a pretty good living traveling anonymously and stealing from fellow travelers.