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Q: Does petty crime really increase at this time of year?
We have probably all been warned to be on our guard at this time of year as people become desperate to have money to take home. But does petty crime really increase here at this time of year?
A girl I know had an IPad stolen in December, and she (and the Police) blamed CNY.
Are you aware of any increase in crime to back up the warnings we are given?
I have not heard of anyone being victims of crimes at this time of year in particular. I have heard the warnings, but I think the only crimes people around me have been subject to are stolen phones, and that is happening any time of year
Not certain it is an increase, but I have definitely noticed an uptick in the reporting regarding.
just open up shanghaiist ( not trying to promote another site.. sorry ) and other sites like that. (CS)
the dude who stole 100 some-odd cases of cigs & an armored safe,,, the other dude who kidnapped a girl so he could have a gf (not that that is petty crime), the other dude jumping on the back of a bus to avoid paying fare. well, these examples may not be much, but I can for sure say that I have seen a lot of stories of petty crimes being committed around CNY. Makes sense too as CNY brings out the desperation in people. Funny thing is, in my country (USA) it's not a big family time, it's just some dumb event where the new year starts. just mostly young people partying...
Logically, it should.
When there's masses of people all huddled up trying to push and shove their way around to get somewhere NOW - it's easy pickings for pick-pockets and petty theft. Much easier than the rest of the time.
Similarly, with the large numbers of people not staying in their usual homes, break-ins should sky-rocket! Imagine those hundreds of millions of empty homes that no-one will be keeping an eye on for 2 weeks. If I was a burglar, this is THE time of me to get rich and have some fun!!!
This is what it would be like in most places in the world - there are some times during the year that are much better than others for petty crime!!!
I work and live in a factory area and yes petty crime does increase. Its less of an opportunistic time and more out of desperation. All of these migrant workers need to go back home and they all have pressure to bring a bunch of money back. This is also the time that factories go bankrupt rather than pay out all of the extra expenses leaving workers shit outta luck.
If you live in a city that doesnt have alot of migrant workers you might not notice it but in places like the big four, and especially Guangdong ( all the Hunan people make it worse) then youll notice extra security in apartment complexes and factory parks. Last year i saw a girl get her purse snatched right infront of my window. I need to lock my office door just to take a piss. Everyone needs a few extra dollars this time of year, even the police, which is why youll see more traffic stops and tickets skyrocket.
We make sure to keep our workers really happy this time of year and talk with them all the time. Let me know that they are safe and they will have every dollar that they have earned so that they wont rob us blind. Its worked thusfar.
My mother-in-law's place had an attempted break in last week. The door handle was dismantled, but the dead bolt saved her from being a victim. Although, now she won't leave her apartment for fear the robber will come back. So, I guess she was victimized in the end.
ScotsAlan:
Sorry to hear that. Housebreaking is right up there as one of the worst crimes.
Reading this, it makes sense to hole up with the family at home all week, which is the holiday activity I most associate with Chunjie.
"We haven't been robbed. Happy days!"
Yes, it does. The only two times I had things stolen from me were exactly two weeks to a month before spring festival. The items were perceivable of high value although in my country they were cheap things.
ScotsAlan:
I am certainly more carefull at this time of year. I become much more suspicious of loiterers.
Not spring festival related but interesting none the less. My inlaws have a house in Zhongshan. Its one of those old farmer 3 level places you see in villages. Its only used for spring festival or other times when everyone must meet up back home. Anyways an Aunt who still lives in the village goes to check up on the place every few weeks. A few months back people climbed the fence, broke in. Stole a computer and the damn hot water heater off the wall and then used the place for a math lab haha.
