Crimes

Like every country, there are crimes in China.
In Beijing, there are police and security present throughout the city, ensuring that any major crimes (like armed robbery or kidnapping) does not happen.

Violent crimes DO happen, but not frequently, so please be careful!

The most common criminal incidents are minor crimes, such as pickpocketing, scams sent via text and shoplifting.

Most pickpocket incidents occur on public transportation, shopping areas and mostly at tourist locations. They usually target mobile phones, Blackberries, cameras and items that look expensive.

Tips on how to not get pickpocketed and not lose valuable stuff:

1. Don't bring things you don't need.
2. Put your bag infront of you.
3. Don't show off your wealth.
4. Try to store valuables in your front pockets (preferrably a secret pocket, if you have one).
5. Avoid walking through large crowds.
6. Avoid fiddling with the pocket that contains your valuables (This alerts the thieves where your valuables are)
7. Try not to count or look at your money in public.
8. Never give money to beggars (if you take out your wallet, they may snatch it from you), only give loose change.
9. Count your money at your hotel (or motel) room.
10. Try to shorten the bag or purse you carry.
11. Remember to close all zippers on your bags.
12. Try to avoid looking like a tourist (blend in!)
13. Leave nothing unattended

Please check out (on the net) the club/hotel/place you are staying at or going to before you go to it. Just to be safe on whether it has been a terrorist target before or was known to be affiliated with law-breakers.

Every country has some laws that is unique to that country.
There may be some local laws you may be breaking without knowing and recieve a penalty for doing so.

Here is a link which describes China's local laws in detail:

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/China

(Click the "Laws" tab)