Crime in Shenzhen

Aw! C'mon! That's very common in all big cities around the world!

We're still lucky there's no bombing happening around here! So I think that's not that dangerous, we just have to be very careful, though. :)

By the way, how come I see a lot of vendors selling knives around the street, are those legal?

I never saw any pickpockets in Los Angeles, though.

No, those knives are illegal in China.

Being from the LA area, I haven't seen many pickpockets either. However, that is probably because you don't have many people walking around. In a city like Las Vegas, you have tons of pick pockets. LA gives you much more serious crime. I have had guns pulled on me three times, and been shot at once. About two years ago, I came back to my hometown from a trip to Shenzhen, and on the second night back, my neighborhood erupted into a massive shootout that lasted 5 minutes. My local high school has more crime then Shenzhen.

Shenzhen is a beautiful city with some petty crime, but nothing too serious.

O.T.
No pickpockets?....So I guess thats why they tagged L.A. as "City of Angels"! Haha!

Kidding aside, But if Im not mistaken, the guys I saw vending knives belong to a group of culural minorities....Is it true that these people have the privilege to carry knives?
Actually those items look more like bayonets -not kitchen knives- that they peddle around the streets.

Wow...it sounds like something out of the movie, "Gangs of New York!" I'm from Washington, DC and I KNOW that the crime here is NOTHING compared to back home. I've been in Shenzhen for over a year and I've only encountered being handed counterfeit remenbi (freaking bastages!)now and then. And let me tell you...i usually traced it back to the smiling person behind a store counter rather than the hardworking gal selling tofu or the guy shinning shoes.

What part of Shenzhen is all that crime happening in?

What part of Shenzhen do crimes happen?

Pickpockets are common in crowded places like Dongmen street, Hua Qiang Bei and busy subways.
But I think pickpockets are not as common compared to other places outside Shenzhen city.

With regards to counterfeit money, it's all-around China, I guess. hehehe! But the good thing is that most people dont make a big deal out of receiving fake notes from anybody- especially from foreigners!

Oh, How I love this country!

This is a pretty safe city. I think people over exaggerate about how dangerous it is. Just don't do stupid stuff like stumble around drunk at night looking for an ATM, walk alone into dark alleys or go by yourself into shady bars/clubs.

Portland Oregon has more crime in 1 block than SZ has, I walk alone at night here and I would never do that in Portland, If the skinheads dont beat you up the Crips will.Portland is the meth capitol of the world and the tweakers will do anything to get another hit, I havent seen any Meth here

@ nitro624 quoted:
"I haven't seen any meth here.".....
**raised eyebrow**...Hahaha! Well, you must be hangin' out in good places!

But I agree that illegal drugs are not as rampant in Shenzhen as it is in other cities, so is crime.
I often go out alone at night, but nothing bad had ever happened to me so far.

Like most crime, you don't see it happen, but it does happen. The news is censored in China, so how are you supposed to know what happens if you don't here about it on the news. Only through freinds.

Regarding that stupid statement about never see pickpocketing in LA, haha!! You don't see pickpocketers actually pickpocketing, other wise you wouldn't get pickpocketed (try saying that a few times fast,lol)

If you pay attention, seeing pickpockets is
easy, especially in Shenzhen. Pickpockets mostly work in the day in Shenzhen on Shennan Lu and near the train station. Parks at night are full of thieves. I have never seen any pickpockets on
Hua Qiang Bei (probably due to the presence of police), but crime can happen anywhere. Stay away from crowds and keep your bag in front of you.

i also agree with the U.S. expats whose experience is that Shenzhen is much safer than in the States. I feel very safe walking the streets of Shenzhen and with all places, if you are aware of your surroundings and don't walk where you shouldn't, when you shouldn't, most likely you won't have problems in Shenzhen. At least this has been my experience.

put is this way u dead no good, u give $$$ good, i was laughing at my buddies that came to visit me when they got pickpocketed and can't believe this shit but over a year i didn't loose a penny, even when i lost my phone it was returned, but can u believe it that couple days ago in dongmen i got my 100rmb Mao switched...maybe it was that same smiling chick? i was wondering why she took the bills so fast and wanted a different one, i thought about it but just didn't believe she was doing it, u can only be so careful but sometimes shit happen and u just forget it about it and move on...

Wow that happened to me too. I got into Lo Wu, couldn't find a cab so I took one of those "under the table" cabs, we get in front of my place, I hand the guy a $100 he says no to it, I give him an other and says no to that one too... So I said "I'm gonna make some change and be right back", and the guy just took off... I thought about it for a while, thought I got a free ride but I got ripped! It's OK though, I guess worst could have happened...

Shenzhen...
i"m having too much fun to notice the crime. The only crime i've experienced in shenzhen was a beat down from local security gaurds going to KTV..but that was due to my drunk friend slapping the guy first.

I only consider it a crime cause they out numbered us 20 -4 then beat our asses with batons. Got 12 stitches to the head... but it could have been worst considering the situation...
The funny thing was that during the fight it was not only against the security gaurds but against the KTV managers, some bouncers, waiters, and even the barbers of the hair saloon that was sharing the same complex...

The cops took forever to get there... I had to fight 3 separate times and could not go on any more.. lucky for us they stopped cause they probably thought we were all dead with the blood everywhere.

but i didnt get Robbed through out the whole ordeal... even when i was out cold.

Shenzhen is just as safe as any other city in the world... just have some common sense.

I'm an Angeleno too; I'd say there's more "petty" crime here (pickpockets, bike thieves) and more "major" crime there. Still, if one pays attention, stays out of questionable places, and generally "follows the rules," problems are minimized in both places.

What I want to know is: Did anyone notice the original poster's tags?
I am Carrie in Shenzhen
i may help you in your biz and arrangement in CN.
pls call me at 13556850505

Hmmm, a local "guide"; would she have any reason to scare visitors?

Just a thought.

I've noticed that about the Chinese; whenever there's a fight it's never one on one. There's always a big group so most of the time you're outnumbered.

Tags removed,

Thanks for the heads up Buzz
[Community Manager: SZParty.com]
scott@shenzhenparty.com

SZ is certainly the most crime-ridden place I have ever seen and for various reasons, but mostly because of the complete apathy other people show when a crime is taking place right around them.
It is definitely a case of hear no evil, see no evil...so SZ is supposed to be crime free !
But it is not, there is minor and major crime all around, just speak to locals if you have not observe it for yourself.
The sad part is that no-one seems to be willing to help anyone else.
I have personally seen old people and young girls getting robbed blatantly in crowded places and no-one lifting a finger to help !
I know of a lot of foreigners who had picked up serious injuries in crime situations as well...but as there is no news coverage no-one knows unless it is a friend.
Lots of murders, kidnappins, assaults and the like also takes place here...all in all SZ is rougher than Johannesburg, and I was there just last week...

I Have actually stood up a few times, I have stopped other people, usually Chinese from being pick pocketed, most recent as at dajuyuan mtr station, 5 guys cornered me, luckily nothing happened to me, but man they were pissed off i interfered. They kept yelling "your a foreigner why do you care what we do?!"
[Community Manager: SZParty.com]
scott@shenzhenparty.com

Well, I was in Hong Kong for 6 days, and really thats the safest city I`ve been to. Now I`m in Shenzhen for 5 days and yesterday I was about to be robbed on Huaqiang Road North (close to women`s world). When I stopped to see fake wallets in a little stand I noticed 3 +-20yr old boys that stopped at the stand also... well chinese boys don`t buy fake wallets for no reason... So 1 came around me to check wehter i had a wallet or not. We Brazilian are used to this so I had my wallet in my underpants locked in my waist... when moved to the other side of the stand to get farther from them, another one tried to come closer again... so I just took off right away to a McDonalds. If I stayed there longer I would have been robbed. Wherever there`s poverty, there`s no safety!

Well, being an Indonesian born Chinese, I have advantages and disadvantages. I shouldn't be a target for Chinese criminals because I don't look like foreigner at all.

Even though, there was once I was targeted by three chinese men, just in Guo Mao Subway station. They tried to find a way to get closer to me... but I kept my distance from them, until we got into the plaza close to this station, but I could see their expression, looked very furious because they could not get what they wanted from me, which I don't dare to think of.

The second experienced was, two blocks far from shangrilla hotel, at that time I was carrying lots of money. I was going through a small lane behind a small security guard office there, then suddenly I realized two chinese men seemed waiting for me getting through the lane, I was hesitate a while, then I was quick deciding to take another lane to get to my residing place. I can't imagine if I took that small lane, what will happen to me, at least with my bag which full of money at that time.

Right! Be carefull is the most important, no matter where, when and in what occassion.

I still like this country though, I am myself, a people who comes from a big city, Jakarta, a very famous city of its crimes.

God Bless Me

I have lived in Shenzhen for 5 years and it is safe compared to ANY other city of 14 million. Of course crime does happen but the thing that is different here, is that the crime is not drug related. I have traveled to over 50 countries and must say China is one of the safest places I have come across. I walk around many areas at different times of the day and have not encountered any serious problems. Try doing that late at night in any big city in the uk!! Ha! Ha!
As for the individual who says that SZ is worse than Joburg is South Africa, that is the kind of silly statement that breeds fear. Joburg is the murder and crime capitol of the world. I travel there often. Just ask the locals.
SZ in 2003/4 was worse than now. It reached a point where the SZ government brought in 20,000 extra police from all over the province. Things got much better. But beware of petty crime before any national holiday.

didnt see with my eyes any crimes except in shanghai 4 YEARS ago....HK is even more safe. I had a brawl with 6 ~7 guys in guangzhou cause they touched my exgf...but its not really the crime you are talking isnt it?

well there is one things piss me off near my area in Shekou!
there are many of those Bitch shop with pink lights...often the pimper wait outside.
It happened twice they said not so nice words to my GF. POlice seems dun care and I hate this...
I'm really a calm and quite person but the situation cannot be like this forever...I wanna be realxed during the weekend, and yet twice I have to calm down to avoid any problems with laws..but laws do really cares? seems to be aside to the pimper...that's pretty bad.

All forests have different trees and snakes. Wherever we go, we will encounter crimes. I think, Chinese are kind. They are doing their best to survive. They are selling anything for living especially those who came from far provinces and those who are less priviledged to possess good education. The problem is, policemen are not allowing some sidewalk vendors. Others are being forced to cheat because they don't have any ways to survive. Others are stealing because they don't want to work for cheap labor. There are crimes anywhere and reasons will not be finished. As for me, I have been robbed here, but I was not smart enough. One time, I was so tired and slept on the bus while traveling, I woke up with slashed shirt at my side and my mobile was stolen. I was so angry, and I hate Chinese. Fortunately, I met Chinese man and woman named Steven and Iris, they are from Xiniang, Henan. They changed my impression to many Chinese. They are really exceptional Chinese for me. Even their relatives are also kind and with standard moral character. So, whatever crimes are happening around, don't hate all Chinese. There are many who are educated and with good manners. I just can advice that you should be more careful and take care of your belongings. We cannot change the world unless we have faith in God! How I wish that people of the whole world were born equal. No poor nor rich. Yes, we have different races and color, but we are just ONE! We can improve what happens in the surrounding. Let us prevent crimes. How? We must help to protect other people around. If you saw someone cheating others, support the one who is being cheated. If you saw someone stealing other's thing, report him. There are crimes around and the only way to stop it is to watch and make a way! There is always hope for everyone. I believe that people were not born to be bad at all.

shenzhen is full of crime. from dvds to prostitutes to drugs, no matter the fakery or tomfoolery shenzhen has got it all, although the more serious the crime the less likely we are to hear about it

I think you a bit short sighted because if you think that crime is not existent in other cities then that proves my first statment and who ever came to this city by using a glance was ignorant in thinking that petty crime doesent exist . My opinion is take a second glance and compare it to other cities of the world such as Johannesburg and them make your complaint vivid to people on this site.

Being born in South Africa and living most of life there but never have experienced crime there, nor my family, it is hard to say that Johannesburg for example is worse than SZ, as I have experienced amazing amounts of crime here !
I would describe SZ as the crime capital of the world in fact but it is just my very own opinion from my own observations, and the reasons are the lack of police assistance, absolutely zero help or interest from ohters around when a crime is being committed even in crowds or crowded places, you are alone in a crowd, even if you are woman being badly beaten up and robbed, as I have seen several times, with NO ONE going to help you...that is a FACT !
In SA people are more than willing to assist and actively come to your assistance, also crime in SA cities are largely in the ghettos on weekends where drugs are involved, especially violent crime, which the stats show is 90 percent between family members or people who know each other..it is much more of a social problem in other words, but in SZ it is crime fullstop !
And it is everywhere...although I agree it is getting better since last year, but it is taking a massive police and security presence to achieve that, people have to live behind 5 metre high walls, with hundreds of security guards around at ALL times !!
Schools and kindergartens are fortresses, all flats and businesses are heavily covered with bars, safety doors and safety shutters and even then it is not enough, crime still flourishes...
Guangdong Province for example is now also the kidnapping capital of the world...you can buy two kinds of anti kidnapping insurance...millions of people leave abroad if they can...this doesn't speak of a crime free society at all...

Starbucks has installed some security devices to keep your bags from disappearing. This is a good step to help reduce theft.

A SA bizman was murdered in Dongguan a couple weeks ago, there was nothing on the local news, I found it on the news in SA itself...the guy was in China for only a couple of days, apparently burglars climbed ip to his 5 floor flat to rob him, but he woke up and died in the fight...all this was keep very quiet, his brothers had to fly out here to get any info...
When I told this to another US/Chinese bizman here, he said it is common but kept quiet...serious crime especially agfainst foreigners is not broadcast...
My one Oz friend teaching here at an international scjool witnessed a Brazilian pilot being kicked to the ground while carrying his baby across a street, this by thugs in uniform and after they nearly knocked him down in their van !!
My US/Chinese friends driver was also robbed at knifepoint sitting inside the car, at a red light in Shekou last week...these are the things you HEAR about...

I was there in Shenzhen, China, 2004 living and working for a short time with CLT/English First and had the privilege of meeting and knowing a Michael Cannon but he was an ex-army officer, from Bristol, England, UK whom I helped to gain the Lego, ZTE..etc corporate training contracts, probably not the same person? Miss you wondeful people at EF/CLT. (If you are him, how are you, where are you and email me at jon_dann888@hotmail.com need to pick your brains and catch-up Mike)
I did find myself lost, alone, several times and even in rundown parts of Shenzhen, I never felt threatened, afraid quite the opposite, the city felt so safe and there was always someone who spoke enough English male or female, who would take time out to help me, guide me to my destination. I was never robbed or came across pick-pockets and I walked most places, areas of the city. There was usually guards or police nearby and, when there weren't I still felt safe. Whilst on a bus I witnessed large groups of students protesting, outside a university building and police standing by and letting them, even when they were hurling objects at them. Most persons, young and old, I spoke to were happy, content with there lives, were not struggling and they always had a welcoming smile for me and others. I can honestly say that I have never felt as safe and free as I did in China and it was the same when I was there in 2002 across most of China.
I too have been to, travelled to, lived in, many places around this planet. Some parts of Auckland, NZ were very bad, as were the US (Mid/East Coast)/Canada (Toronto/Qeubec) and as for Jo'burg, SA I was there pre Mandella release, from prison but only experienced, saw one slight incident, which was avoided. I have heard, here in the UK from friends and relatives that things in SA are very bad, their Merc's being stolen, dragged from cars at gunpoint and men shot dead. My cousin tried to leave 7 years ago (with her child) for fear of how bad it was in Jo'burg but couldn't get leave to remain in UK. The problem is that SA has corruption (experienced by most African countries) severe unemployment, with the influx of persons from Zimbabwe and surrounding countries and this has led to shortages, poverty, hunger and yes resentment and unprovoked acts of violence and deaths. Should, Bush and his poodle Blair have gone in and removed Mugabe, after all he permitted/killed more persons than Saddam H. ever did... only history and the passage of time, will judge, provide the answer. One thing is certain, unnecessary lives have been lost in Iraq and Afghanistan since and according to reports British forces and US forces for that matter have not according to respective generals and heads of service had, the protection/tools/armour that they should have had and sadly, lives have been wasted and lost. There are no winners in wars, only destruction and loss of lives, mainly innocent ones, from all sides.
Generally, most people, where ever we may go, people are mostly kind, polite, helpful and giving.

I have had two incidents. The first - 2 guys started pacing me and my girl in the Laojie shopping area around dusk. The guy on the left started getting down and trying to get into my left pocket. Actually seems pretty dumb since my girl was on my left and and I had me arm around her. I saw him doing this peripherally and turned around and started yelling at him. She turned around and yelled at him in Chinese. We sort of surrounded him yelling at him and looked at his hands. He didn't get anything. Then he says (translated) "I wasn't doing anything!."

Second incident I was alone in LoWu coming back from a 3 day stay in HK. I was alone and my hands were full of bags from shopping and stupidly I was wearing a backpack actually on my back. The thief got behind me and heard him unzipping me. I turned around and he started pretending he was studying his filthy fingernails like he needed a manicure or something. A few of thoughts ran through my head almost immediately. One being that I was completely exhausted from traveling with a friend from the US for 2 weeks around the Hunan province and then HK and didn't feel confrontational. Two, I wondered if I did confront would someone else take the opportunity to grab my purchases that I was bringing back to my girl and for our apartment. And three, if the cops came and they don't understand English (which is obviously likely) would it end up being a bigger ordeal. So I just went on my way and zipped up. The fool only got to feel around my dirty underwear anyway. Kind of funny now.

So do I feel safe in Shenzhen? Yeah more or less. I think one is more likely to be hit by a car than robbed. Just be aware of your surroundings like everyone says.

Hi girl,
I thought it was my own writing, coz I am like you, a Chinese born Indonesian from Jakarta :) Talking about criminal, I lost my newly bought mobile phone in the bus on the way to Shenzhen Univ last year. Btw, it's quite hard to find our own 'race' here, so if there's a way we could be friend...you know we're just a text (SMS)away (ph#1341-0959090).
Cheers.

welly