How Bad is Pickpocketing in China? Can I avoid it?

[@randallvirental666]

When I was probably 10 years old I watched as a guy accidentally dropped a $50 bill on the floor in a grocery store. I showed my mom and she asked me if I saw who dropped it, I said I did then she said “well do you think you should keep it or do you think you should give it back to him?” I brought it to him and told him he dropped it, he thanked me and I ran back over to my mom who was standing in the checkout line. A few minutes later he approached us and said something like “you’re a very good and honest boy so this belongs to you now” as he handed me the $50 bill. That incident must have stuck with me because I’ve always been an honest person.

[@MrDavidc]

I was in a tea room in the Cotswold and there was only one other table occupied-by a mother with her son, aged about 7, wearing a cowboy suit. While the waitress was away getting my order, the woman put some scones in her hand bag, from the counter and the little boy, jumped up saying' put them back!' 'That's stealing!'. She said 'They won't miss them'. But he kept on, 'But you haven't paid for them. If you don't put them back, I'll tell the lady'. So she had to put them back. I was impressed by the honesty of this young boy and wish I'd gone up to them and given him something, but was too embarrassed, but maybe it would have been unpleasant for the mother, to know someone else had noticed.

[@psychedlicsouljam1995]

Lies

[@henrypotter3024]

Positive reinforcement is very effective on children. Much more than most people realize.

[@Terra_Incognita201]

similar situation happened to me when I was 12. I spotted a $10 bill on the floor in front of a shop and a woman was just moving away from it as I called her to ask if she might have dropped the banknote. Now what happened I kept in mind my whole life. She just said ‚yes’ and picked it up. No ‚thank you‘ or whatsoever. I was shocked about how cold this woman was. I was shaking and totally astonished how honest and nice I was and what I got out of it. Since then I am aware of strangers. Sadly learned the dark side in this lesson.

[@KGood28]

@@Terra_Incognita201 it probably wasn't hers.

[@yusukekato5596]

I dropped my wallet in Shinjuku Station in Japan which receives over 1,000,000 commuters a day and when I had found out a few hours later, I went back and it was sitting on a bench next to where I dropped it with all cash and cards still inside.

[@mikfax]

Also in Korea

[@eddenoy321]

Similar thing happened to me in Japan.Wallet fell out of my pocket and a man chased me down to return it. Very impressed.

[@japankofun]

Japan isn't perfect in that sense - I left my camera in a public toilet cubicle, in the shop/ticket sales area for a cable car up a mountain, went back to get it when I realised I left it, not more than one minute later, but it was gone and not handed in to anyone upon checking again a few hours later. It was just a cheap pocket camera as well (but lost 6 weeks of travel photos). My fault entirely, but was quite surprised as the only people around were groups of elderly Japanese (and staff) and wouldn't have expected that to happen there. Not to say it's normally like that there though, but pays to be careful wherever you are.

[@neosmith166]

That's the reason i have lots of respect and admiration for Japanese people!!

[@tomje7024]

DavidRsaid very very impressive

[@acmeopinionfactory8018]

I gotta say, I'm pretty impressed by a thief who can take a phone out of a pocket with chopsticks.

[@fartfarmer4951]

acmeopinion factory haha forreal a wallet too those things aren't light and the phone definitely doesn't have any grip.

[@lucasmusicjourney9500]

It's not chopsticks. They use tweezers.

[@KC-zz2ih]

some use chopsticks apparently

[@konnyfu]

I think the thief group who called Winston's friend to give back his passport is impressive 😂

[@GrumpSkull]

Carry noodles in your pockets

[@GtheMVP]

I dropped my wallet at a gas station near my house (Ottawa, Can). I was using their air pump and it must have fallen out of my pocket. Anyway, I only noticed an hour later and traced my steps to the gas station. The attendant told me that someone brought it to them but left a message for me to say that he was going to drop it off at my house. Sure enough, on my front door, tied in a plastic bag, was my wallet, with all my money and cards left inside.

[@garyv2498]

Proving the Canadian stereotype true.... what a horrible stereotype eh?

[@WhittyWhitts]

Canadians are so nice

[@jixxytrix1705]

@francis brown American much?

[@p51mustang24]

Any decent white community is like this. I have lost valauble items (phone, wallet) several times, and nearly always have it returned or waiting at a lost and found. The exceptions were in non-white communities. All of them.

[@terrom550]

I lost 2 times my wallet in Downtown Toronto, Canada and both times some people find it and returned it directly to me one time and the second time someone dropped it at the security desk in a huge building in Downtown Toronto, were I use to work. There was not even one penny missing in my wallet

[@mouse100111]

When I studied in Tokyo I used to see people leave backpacks or luggage outside of bathrooms, phones on tables at bars when they'd use the restroom, etc. I've had bartenders lend me their taspo cards (for buying cigarettes from vending machines) so that I could buy cigarettes across the street, downstairs, etc. I've even had a bartender let me leave the bar without paying my tab yet so that I could buy cigarettes at a 7/11 a few buildings down the street when i ran out. Quite the opposite of China I'd say.

[@emitain8408]

Yeah. Apparently, public safety in Japan is really good. Unless you’re a woman and you’re on a crowded train. (Chikan/groping on trains is considered a problem in Japan.)

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Buu that happens around here as well. Signs of a developed society.

[@inkbold8511]

Wonder why Winston doesn't immigrant to Japan instead of china.

[@wirwir3124]

i think he said in a video that China is great for Oppurnitys. I think aditonaly he can handle himself with the thievs and scamers so it isnt that much of a concern for him.

[@audreyblack1659]

Buu pretty much the same public safety situation in South Korea too!

[@andreww.8262]

In before Chinese people start screaming, "IF YOU DON'T LIKE OUR THIEVES, LEAVE"

[@tenshi7angel]

So they are your thieves. Where are your morals? :P

[@cooltechno360]

IF YOU DON'T LIKE OUR LACK OF MORALS, LEAVE ;)

[@cottagegymfun]

Americans have coined the phrase I'm afraid you are late

[@KGood28]

@@cottagegymfun Haha! It's funny, because it's true. 🤣

[@CaphiBinna]

Hahaha Andrew on such a hot day, you chose to speak facts 😂

[@LeonNikkidude]

South Africa had prepared you for life and made you very street wise!

[@troy3456789]

He just had to survive it first.

[@Jamasen]

I have a friend from South Africa, he said to never stop at a red light late at night. He also said to never stop with your windows down no matter what.

[@cellsec7703]

I'm going to start speaking in a South African accent so people don't try to mess with me.

[@StarlightEater]

@J Smith bruhh i was just typing this. I had a kid shoot at me with this little chinese pen gun just two days ago @ chaldean town. Couldn't have been more than nine or ten.

[@KGood28]

Don't do that in certain parts of every major city in the U.S either.

[@isyt1]

Joist cheeking teh see if ah waz standin oan plastique

[@tze1204]

@@KGood28 ye forsure my mom was driving through Boston a couple years ago (keep in mind boston compared to other US cities is a pretty high class low crime city of course it has bad parts but she wasn't in one) and some car came speeding down the corner multiple people shooting bullets ripped through her windshield and back window but lucky she wasn't harmed but it was just a wake up call that even in good areas shit can happen

[@theaveragebot2938]

325 pick pocketers disliked this video.

[@Apple-mg6jr]

TheAverage Bot probably those paid internet trolls

[@aldofhister6859]

416 in 2019

[@antimama.echt.antimama]

there's more off us good guys 120 at least... after a year

[@antimama.echt.antimama]

427 ....... by now

[@neville132bbk]

"...pickpockets. ."

[@MVDrudge]

This is 100% accurate. I was once in an internet cafe in my building in western Beijing. This must have been 8 or 9 years ago. When I was at the cafes playing games I would always keep my wallet and phone either between my front legs on the chair (by my crotch), which could be uncomfortable and risked having them fall, or more commonly in front of me on the table between my two arms and the keyboard (basically right in front of my chest). That way, there would no way for pickpockets to grab at my stuff from outside my line of sight and my hands (or legs) would be handy to react in case someone tried to do something. Anyhow, I was in the internet cafe on the first floor of my building -- sort of a seedy spot above a KTV that was probably more of a brother and past a flight of stairs that always reeked of piss. An hour or two into my gaming adventures, a guy comes up behind my chair -- behind and to the right -- and starts sprinkling small bills on the floor -- mostly ones with a couple tens and fives mixed in for good measure. I don't notice this initially. He then taps on my shoulder and points to the money -- "hey, your money fell!" he tells me in Chinese. At this point my hackles immediately went up -- I'd been in China for years at this point and am generally quite wary of these kinds of scams. So instead of picking it up, I told him it wasn't mine and immediately went into red alert mode. Sure enough, as I quickly turned my attention back to my keyboard and the stuff I kept there, I could see from my peripheral vision a hand sneaking in from the left from his accomplice, reading for my phone. I quickly grabbed my stuff, and as soon as they realized it would not be an easy grab and run, they bolted. It was shocking, given how close I was to my apartment, but I relished the opportunity to hurl every Chinese profanity I had learned at their backs as they ran away. Surprisingly, no one else in the cafe seemed to notice or care at all, which shocked me coming from the West where something like this would have at the very minimum summoned some outrage from the people sitting nearby. I never went back to that cafe, and luckily that kind of thing never happened to me again.

[@matthewhocker956]

Hi Winston, I lived in China a few years ago and I have been enjoying your videos over the past few months...You really do a great job of showing people what it is like. When I watch your videos, I get the urge to visit China again. This video reminded me of a personal experience, way back in 2011 when I ran into a pickpocket in HK. My father was visiting and we were going through one of the night markets (touristy place - lots of people around). I had noticed a guy in the crowd who didn't look like he was there to shop (he was standing pretty still looking around). I was walking behind my dad when I saw this guy get in front of me. He started slowly reaching out toward my dad's side pocket. When I saw this, I tilted my head to where I knew he could hear me and said "don't you dare." He then slinked off into the crowd. I was a afraid of making a big scene because I had been living in Mainland China (and had heard stories of foreigners getting beat up when trying to intervene). I told my HK friend about this, and he said that if I had grabbed the guy's arm people would have tried to help me. Needless to say, after that I kept the majority of my cash in the money belt and kept my hand in my pocket when navigating crowded areas.

[@andywarhol2536]

A Chinese friend of mine once stopped a thief from stealing a woman's purpose on a busy street. After the woman walked away, he got surrended by a bunch of men preparing to attack him, but he had the quick reflex of running into a high end jewellery store so the men wouldn't dare make a mess where there is camera. But yeah interferring with thief is definitely dangerous in China.

[@itsmesteve1081]

How did that women find her purpose in life?

[@whiskerswow1529]

@@itsmesteve1081 😆😆😆

[@chrystianaw8256]

​@@itsmesteve1081 😂

[@ayjay10016]

Most remarkable thing is that bystanders do nothing to point out the perpetrator or help the would be victim. Seems peculiar of Chinese culture. I remember a video which went viral in China when a three year old girl was hit by a vehicle in the street, she bled to death and no one even stopped to help her for hours. Appalling!

[@chilldudemanguy]

Asad Janjua He had a video on this exact thing! How the chinese most likely will not help anyone because they’re afraid they might end up in trouble for helping. Not being able to prove that they were just trying to help and not the ones who actually did it.

[@theolich4384]

There was no good Samaritan laws in China. In a couple of legal cases the bystanders who helped were accused of causing the harm in the first place. Very, very deep scar such cases tore in the public psyche, so that even the law had (somewhat) changed, no one dare to step in anymore.

[@Spamsational]

I wish you would talk about your South African experiences.

[@serpentza]

+Spamsational I plan to

[@AceSimGaming]

WillieRants You know what he means you smart ass. He wants him to talk about it more.

[@videoevidence430]

"i plan to" ___ The problem is that if you tell the truth, you will sound "racist", for speaking the truth. I notice you said "crime against farmers", but EVERYONE knows it's WHITE farmers being murdered by BLACKS, and the SA government is complicit in the murder. So, if you're going to "talk about it", then please speak the whole truth, or just don't say anything (if you're going to be "politically-correct")

[@scurvymouth]

someone's mad

[@Victic005]

Another nationalist he’s talking about.

[@motopeter2409]

Man you get used to violence a level in ZA then only a few people did. Earlier in the video you mention you pull your gun to scare a thief off. You mentioned it so casually, such a trivial ease that most of us do not experienced. Confrontation or intervention comes naturally with aggression and possible outcome of violence. One of the videos you or Cmilk explains how Chinese avoid confronting. Put the two together and see why you are an outlayer not only in Chinese measure but on global scale. For which I highly praise you :)

[@b4isleep1]

In Stamford CT in the southside, if its late at night you don’t stop at any red lights or stop signs. If you do, a good chance you’ll be carjacked.

[@StarlightEater]

Detroit is like that too. Except that the police will also rob you here. Third world usa baby.

[@rollo8847]

I warn my friends about leaving their stuff in their back pockets all the time Still some people do it and then whine "I knew where my phone was" despite it being stolen, yes you might be conscious of it but that won't stop it being stolen. On the topic of Japan it's ridiculous there, I left my phone on a bar once and this 40yr old salary man comes running out to hand it back to me.

[@DavidSmith-kx8yd]

Same in Thailand dropped a few hundred baht and boom in 96degrees a man ran it to me

[@robertk8524]

Once again, very well said. Don't try to get into any physical altercation with a thief in China. Shedding light and attention on their actions is best. Most will give up on the situation and abandon it. If you continue to chase them, grab or try to subdue them... their buddies will immediately step in and attack. Besides, there is a good chance the police are aware of their operation and working with them as long as it doesn't cause too much trouble. This guy knows China extremely well.

[@lukebrehm1610]

I was born and raised in China and lived there for a cumulative 18 years and I think I would definitely keep an eye on my surroundings at all times and the wallet being in the front pocket is definitely a good idea. Very well done informative video. Keep up the good work 🙂 Still willing to stop thieves, but just know when to drop it. I speak mandarin fluently which is highly advantageous but if you may not be fluent please don't actually try confrontation.

[@jacee7612]

I had an ex from South Africa, she said one time a gang broke into a gated community, and when they were in the car and it to leave for school they jumped in the car with assualt rifles robbed and beat her parents. It's dangerous there.

[@rars0n]

I've been spending a good portion of my afternoon catching up on some of your older videos. I love the scammer videos. It's a shame that these crimes are so common, but I applaud you for shining the spotlight on them. It's also absolutely hilarious to see you dress like a goof and play along with the scammers. Also, I really enjoy the amazing drone footage! It's such a unique perspective (literally) from which to view a city! You and C-Milk do a great job of encapsulating an entire area with the focus of your drone shots!

[@flutebasket4294]

The Village Crawls are a special kind of viewing

[@crowbar4929]

Wow I had a friend who was raised in South Africa then he said they had to leave and go to Australia because of how bad it was. I can see why.

[@avi4767]

Crow Bar Punctuation!

[@Urrzx]

stop me Grammar Nazi!

[@heartofjustice6041]

wakanda

[@sandraday6955]

Australia a prison colony is safer than South Africa Wowee.

[@scurvymouth]

i'm sure you know that it's no longer a prison colony, yes?

[@jawadkhalid1507]

My Chinese friends please learn from him, he is here pointing out problems in his own country too. Not hiding anything. If we know the problems in our society and we are not trying to hide those then we are in a better position to solve those. (He is not China hater just an honest person). Anyway China is awesome place and safer than many other countries.

[@2200zy]

Jawad Khalid no you don't understand.he just pretend to be honesty and try to talk about the story that those western guys like to hear. come to china and see by your self. you will find it. and by the way, it's very ridiculous to compare china and south africa in terms of security. china is one of most safe country in the world. a girl can walk alone safely in the street at midnight or early morning in which most western country you should not do so. and in south africa? even KFC need to put bullet proof glass between their staff and customer. again, come to china you will see the truth. this guy is just like a clown

[@karenkujo8275]

He didn't say that China was violent or unsafe at night. He said that there are pickpockets and thieves, which is true of every country, he was advising not to confront the thieves physically as they could get violent as in Western countries most people would attack a thief if they caught them.

[@danielmanrique8107]

2200zy no lad, you don't get it, maybe you've been lucky and haven't gotten robbed, but crime is all over the world, just because you don't see violence in china doesn't mean there isn't crime, and it's good for people to get to the country with a full picture, not a painting of a 'perfect place' because there is NONE in this planet, perfect does not exist so stop pretending china is it, sure china is awesome but its got its flaws, and the more you admit it to yourself that it has it, the more you can actually stand up, show your TRUE patriotism and do something about solving them, so it gets at least close to becoming that 'perfect' land that so called 'nationalists' brag about. Being impartial means aknowledging both the good and the bad side of things, which is OBVIOUSLY going to piss people off, but it's what they need, because its the truth, nothing is perfect, just deal with the fact.

[@videonautics]

thieves are everywhere around the world but if you cry for help people will come to aid at least in my country. in china? people will just walk by and dont care at all. its crowded but youre all alone.

[@harryhao8815]

Chinese cannot stand losing face, especially, to foreigners

[@fruzimuzi]

Hey Winston! I'm a new subscriber, I have been watching your videos (both here and on the ADVChina) for the past few days, and they are really helpful to me, as I also intend to go to China in September. I'm not sure why people call you racist and such all the time, whereas you are just trying to help...I like your attitude and the way you portray China to us. :) Keep up the good work~

[@serpentza]

Thank you! That means a lot :)

[@stevenmonash6284]

A lot of these criminals always play the Race Card...the fact is where there is smoke there if fire... if it walks like a duck... sounds like a duck.. then it probably is a duck... The fact is as the video showed there are a certain type (lets say) gender and race that commit these crimes...it is what it is... I agree with you his videos are helpful and his advice invaluable.

[@David-eh9nw]

fruzimuzi watch Laowhy too that's his partner

[@fruzimuzi]

David Got it, thanks so much 😊

[@sheavelte2917]

As a Chinese, I try to answer yous question. Those Chinese people are dis-respectful. We got educate at school that we should very proud as Chinese (which country dose not?). In Chinese there is a idiom said, only the parents can say something bad about their kids. Others should not do that because is not their business. Though those Chinese who have comments on KZbin are well educate (unless they get high education in English), but their patents do not teach them how to respect others, or it is a way to release their anger, no one knows who they are. A good way to do is ignored them.

[@jims.3245]

Another great SerpentZA China Pro Travel Tip! Thanks Winston, you and your videos have been super helpful in learning to get around China on my own. Your videos are very entertaining, but they are also very educational. Keep on making them. And also, you may want to do updates on old travel topic videos too.

[@jmatt5141]

Been watching your videos and I find them very interesting, informative and enlighteningl. Thank you for all your hard work. I feel how you feel, having been a theft victim a few times before. Even if surounded with many good people, the bad experiences don't help further our goodwill and trust with one another. I'm curious how you got to live there and for that long in the first place. In a way I should also be thankful you can share so much based on your many experiences. I'm also excited about your future plans. It's time you really enjoy living among people in other places where hopefully, you can ease your mind, put your guard down, and be treated respectfully as much as you do to them. Happy New Year and in the years to come!

[@Fastlanedann]

I am Chinese American. a lot of things Winston said in this video is absolutely true. Whenever I visited China, One of the first thing our relative warm me is "pick-pocketer". For whatever it worth.. take Winstons warning - he give excellent advice.

[@Glenni91N]

This is actually more common in Norway too. we usually don't have the violent robberies USA, South Africa etc are known for, but you need to watch out for pickpocketers in Oslo, etc.

[@Glenni91N]

Yeah - No, we're not Sweden.

[@Glenni91N]

Yeah, no. bring your Trumpist level conspiracy shit somewhere else. ;-)

[@Glenni91N]

Yeah, that's actually the problem, not muslims, or black people.

[@tyrelgoldberg661]

Trump loves Israel. All his children are married to Jews. I really don't know where are you getting this hate Glenni.

[@frankdrebin2343]

Jews will always cry about "everyone hating them" but they never mention "why".

[@DizzzyKipper]

I grew up in the desert regions of the US . One of things that I found funny is people would ask if this or that would bite. My father would always say "If it has a mouth in can bite."

[@liu2998]

DizzzyKipper funny

[@terriealexander2344]

leave a back pack with snakes in it wherever the thieves work.

[@hktaima6543]

how about hanging your wallet with chin (empty) whenever the thieves work.

[@lenitaa7938]

terrie alexander Or scorpions! 😂😂

[@miradxammirjalilov2454]

Probably they eat your a snake

[@tenshi7angel]

How about wallets full of anthrax, so the thieves end up getting Karma very quickly?

[@wirwir3124]

How about a backpack with broken glas. So if the put there Hands in it they cut themself. Or/And put a realy messed up Picture in it. So they become scared as fuck.

[@rars0n]

Back in 2008, I was in St Louis on business (I lived in Michigan at that time). I was driving a rental SUV and was about to run out of gas, at night, in what looked like a really sketchy area. I had to pay for the gas inside for some reason, and there was a homeless veteran with one leg inside, I guess he was friendly enough that they allowed him to stay in there while they were open. He had a sign asking for food, but of course, because we were all inside, just started talking to me. I talked to him for probably at least 20 minutes, he had a really interesting story and I felt really bad for the guy, especially because he had lost his leg during his military service and now was homeless. He was black, by the way, which doesn't matter at all, other than me being a scrawny little white guy who looks about 20 years younger than my actual age in a sketchy part of St Louis. I tried to give this guy 50 bucks. I normally don't even carry cash on me, but for some reason I had it. He REFUSED to take it. In fact, he refused ANY money. He instead asked me to buy him some food, and I can't remember what I bought for him but it was like 5 bucks. A burger or something. I said, "Can I buy you something else? Is there any other food you want? Maybe something for later if you're hungry again?" He said "No, this is fine, thank you so much." He was extremely grateful, and yet I still felt bad that I couldn't give him something more. I know money is fleeting and food only lasts so long, but this guy was obviously not trying to buy booze or drugs, he just wanted something to fill his stomach and nothing more. He also told me to be careful where I stop, and that I was lucky to be at this particular gas station. I thanked him for everything and went straight back to my hotel. I still think about this guy every so often and I hope his situation improved, although I kind of doubt it.

[@JaredConnell]

One time my car broke down and I needed to use a pay phone, back when those were still around. I asked this homeless guy if he had any change I could have, meaning I would trade him a bill for quarters and he pulled out a handful and gave me some and turned to walk away before I could give it to him so I told him no I want to give this to you in exchange. But it always stuck with me that this guy who had next to nothing was willing to share it with me and that was so kind of him.

[@yufei77]

I was born in China and came to America when I was only four years old so I only have glimpses of memories from back then. I just wanted to say that I really appreciate you uploading your videos. I have never been back, so the videos give me a view of China I've never seen before, a sense of connection I never knew I was interested in. So keep up the good work and I know you'll hit 1 million subscribers in no time!

[@Billah453]

Wow Winston! Great moves, keep it up, proud of you!

[@najmussakib8973]

Billah453 they didn't get the joke man

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Always good to be aware of the tactics and ones surroundings, thanks for the tips. I've been living in Beijing for several years. Pickpocketing is actually quite rare here. It does happen but again, is quite rare. I get around the city by subway and have never been a victim or any of my colleagues. And hopefully stays that way.

[@FlyGuyOnly773]

Your videos are addictive I’ve been watching them for three days straight now💯

[@Tyrone696]

This is awesome, thanks for the insight Serpentza

[@itrollluimarcodaylee4751]

You're sick? Better start drinking warm water...

[@piecake9173]

多喝热水 😂😂

[@shihaiwei5738]

You guys laugh, but that actually works. Like when you are sick your body temperature rises to strengthen immune system. Hot water does the same thing. That is why people in warmer climates tend to live longer.

[@kempyx533]

Hot water is good for your healthy

@Shihai Wei Please, just cut the crap. If hot water was the cure for everything, the whole world would use this method. It's just a fucking load of bullshit coming from Chinese medicine which is also 90% bullshit.

[@tylerstead1575]

Kempyx Things chinese people say

[@billchow747]

Excellent warning about pickpockets in China; invaluable advice that could save some naive tourists or expatriates from losing a wallet or passport. Furthermore, the additional advice not to be a hero could save some good samaritan from physical harm. This Chinese-Canadian will heed your advice, Winston, thanks.

[@thekingoftheworld9553]

I love hearing about you in South Africa, could you do more videos on you and your life there? /make a different channel for those videos?

[@serpentza]

+TheKingOfTheWorld I'll get to it

[@weishenliu2826]

Thank you very much for these important tips! Quite shocked that this also happens in Hong Kong. Thanks for the advice to keep the backpack in front of yourself. You mentioned that wallets should not be in the back and side pockets, but didn't mention where we should keep it.

[@bm6267]

This channel is so fascinating, just get drawn into these videos. Keep up the good work!

[@RenatoT-si7vv]

Been to China a couple of times and I guess I am always on a defenive stance in crowded places. I am from Peru, and travelled to many countries in Latin America with pickpocketing issues, so maybe for me it´s kind of natural to be always aware, specially because there is no specific profile for a pickpocketer, could be and old lady or a young guy. Always be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are (Asia, Latin America, even Europe) and specially in crowded places.

[@xiaomai1988]

Yeah...I'm from Brazil and when I go abroad I pay attention a lot... being from South America helps a bit...

[@KishorTwist]

Is it possible that favelas are safer than the bigger cities? You know, media exaggerations?

[@xiaomai1988]

@@KishorTwist an interesting concept... I have some relatives that live in poorer areas in Brazil and when I visit them I'm quite safe inside the poor(and dangerous) neighborhoods because I somehow "belong" there(indirectly through my relatives) ... They have this feeling of "protecting and caring about our people" stuff and a strong notion of territory... When you are an outsider it's dangerous as hell though ...

[@HairyPixels]

I have a similar problem living in Thailand, not with theft but rather with getting the locals to feel a sense of injustice when wrongs are committed. It's really a damning indictment on society and how little people care for each other outside of their immediate circle. In fact I'll go so far to say as it's one of the primary factors driving poverty and dysfunction in the region. Trust and empathy for people you don't know is a corner stone of a healthy society.

[@TynanCreations]

Hairy Pixels yes people need to look out for each other in society, otherwise thieves and criminals can do as they please like wolves picking off a herd of sheep.

[@whit1981]

Hairy Pixels almost every poor nation is like this. It's a circle. Which comes first? The crime or lack of compassion for each other? My wife is Russian and every time I go it's the same thing: my wife's family and the people associated with her family are 100% trustworthy in every level. Outside of that? Absolutely no trust. Just how it is. I agree with you about those attributes indicating a successful society at large

[@HairyPixels]

That's funny you mention Russia because they have an uncanny with problem with crime in Thailand I just don't understand. For some reason they like to form gangs and cause problems we don't see with most other nationalities. There's something defiantly up with those guys...

[@abdulazizkp7869]

Hairy Pixels 4

[@SoulLoveBase]

Dude, Thais have a ton of empathy, and as long as you're not trolling the seedier sides of Bangkok, you rarely have to worry about theft or any crime like that. Anyway, enjoy criticizing nations from your holy throne of purity you're sitting on based on your enlightened observations.

[@petermartin9494]

Your GTO was really nice. You are a man of style and taste and your videos are great. Keep up the good work.

[@MISTERPRESIDENTELECT]

When traveling in China, only use the "prison wallet" to store your cash, cards and coins. Just remember to wipe before you swipe

[@yoshimikurata]

Dude I just found your channel great videos

[@serpentza]

Thanks mate!

[@ronaldhonda2276]

Good video, Winston. Well done and good on you for returning that phone. Did the woman get your name? Usually people in Japan will get your name and the person will send you a thank you note or if it is money, they will give you a reward. Well done, mate.

[@Fynmar91]

I always hear people say that locks (for bicycles etc.) are only there to keep honest people honest. I don't agree. Someone who would steal something only because it's not locked or unattended is not honest. They are a piece of shit that is willing to ruin someone else's day and I don't want them to be part of my society. I can 100% guarantee that I would never take something without the intention of returning it to the owner.

[@jekster]

I think the majority of people are honest. Bike locks are more about making yourself less of a target for lazy thieves.

[@OUTFXD]

I would suggest that any crime requiring premeditation (planning) is not a crime of convenience. Love your videos, seriously love the coffee mug of Awesome!

[@ericastier1646]

I clapped when you returned the lost phone. That is a gentleman and a honest man.

[@fion4788]

I'm from mainland China .just like what Winston said that watch your belongings in public, everything will be OK .China is a safe and amazing country.

[@jamconnell1377]

if i ever go to china i am going to put dummy phones and empty wallets in my side and back pockets just for a laugh.lol Make the thiefs go to work with nothing to gain.

[@USAltefore]

I'm sure there are plenty of ways to have fun with that kind of project.

[@markypolo55]

Jam: I always carry my Passport and wallet in my FRONT inside pocket of my sport jacket. I carry a fake wallet in my back pocket with a few bucks local currency and loaded with expired credit cards. This way if I get robbed, thieves will think they hit the Jack Pot.

[@oscarqi2998]

Marky Polo well bro you won't need this in China. People here prefer stealing from robbing. So cut the trouble

[@remyllebeau77]

Maybe put baggies full of poo in your backpack and pockets, but that is taking it to the extreme :D

[@OwenPrescott]

Write a note to remember to pick up that large sum of cash stored away in a not very secure location. Make them travel a huge distance across China thinking it's worth the travel only to find nothing there.

[@turbointegra82]

The world need soooooooo many more people like you! 👌👌👌👌

[@Larryloafer488]

Hi, just found your channel and catching up on your vids, as I’m thinking of visiting China, you’ve provided an excellent insight of what to expect, I also like your no nonsense approach, keep up the good work.

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

I am glade you are there to help us mate! The world is a better place because of you!!!

[@thedude4795]

8:06 Winston carried HEAT in South Africa? Fascinating! Im from Sweden, I wouldnt even know which end to point at them!

[@user-g3r2d]

from the sounds of it, it's not really an option in South Africa but rather a necessity to protect yourself with all the crazy violence.

[@wssnss]

Thanks to Nelson Mandela, turning South Africa a developed country into a developing country.

[@moonstryder1740]

Wss Wss developing? mate south Africa's development has gone in reverse. good thing I'm leaving in a month. I've got a job and a scholarship lined up so I'm lucky and my brother coming over next year is a final year engineering student. South Africa was great but it is turning into a disgusting country

[@nr655321]

Quiet! PC justice is all that matters.

[@gedaloneranger5845]

Hana you are a very sad colonial offspring. Go back to Europe.

[@lenitaa7938]

Wss Wss How's Nelson to blame? Wanting equality for all?

[@yaz2928]

Alexander TheOriginalGreat To Canada?

[@USAltefore]

It's not just the mob retaliation for standing up to thieves that worries me. I'd also worry about getting thrown in Chinese jail for it.

[@foodtantric6105]

Winston! After learning about your bad experiences i think Your a superman there. Seriously! Bravo 👏👏👏

[@dpgcook8]

Thanks, Winston for the help. Planning to travel there in August. Your discoveries have been so helpful; stay awesome!!!

[@jamconnell1377]

living in london the same advice would really apply here aswell with pick pockets in the tourist areas. Keep all valuebles in your inside pockets and be careful with man bags and ruck sacks and handbangs ect. And the same in any big city anywhere in the world.

[@seraphina985]

Yup pretty much anywhere that is going to have a large crowd to exploit really even smaller towns or events in the middle of nowhere will attract them if they are expected to predictably draw large crowds, after all pickpockets can drive cars and get on busses and trains to follow the money too.

[@josephcileo7380]

Jam Connell same with Rome. Lots of young eastern European girls frequent the main metro stops in packs of 2-5 and pick pocket tourists. They remain in the underground section and hop on and off the trains looking for opportunities. Luckily they're fairly easy to spot and people are quick to raise attention when they strike.

[@FoodforThought12345678dsds]

mainland chinese, stop using kind of english names, we know who you are, as your ocmments are always false and trying to justify the bad things in china

[@petercob9300]

FoodforThought hey there, my Taiwanese friend

[@user-tw5ek1gg8j]

I can barely eat with chopsticks , these guys steal with it! Mind blown =)))

[@wendy54321]

Feel better Winston!

[@kaleomalan6765]

+francois williams are you being serious..... I don't know one single person from SA that has not experienced crime in SA.

[@gunnervine]

he's roleplaying the chinese guys that say similar stuff when winston says something bad about china.

[@wobeck]

+francois williams Actually, Francine, theft and major crimes are common in ZA and are becoming even more frequent. You're a troll and a liar, Francine. I would consider a South African 12-year-old being drowned in boiling water after seeing his parents killed to be a major crime. www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/9430173/South-African-12-year-old-drowned-in-boiling-water-after-seeing-parents-killed.html

[@kaleomalan6765]

francois williams, you are as stupid as you are uniformed. I am also from SA, if you where really from SA you would have recognized the Transvaal flag (in my profile picture). You are just a damn stupid troll, Go back to SA if it is so great. I don't want to go back, it is a rotten hell hole.

[@kaleomalan6765]

+francois williams, Transval and Free State where allies during the Boer War. If you are going to spew garbage at least do some research, before proving how stupid you are.

[@thedominic1212]

Thanks for sharing all yours precious experiences. The info is very useful and lots to learn from you. Again. Thanks

[@geofbarrington9574]

Just people trying to get ahead ..many thankz Winston . These videos are worth a million

[@scottmason7312]

Snakes are not poisonous. They are venomous.

[@serpentza]

Noddy badge

[@Conviently]

Scott Mason Even though most snakes are venomous, there is a garter snake that is poisonous.

[@lenitaa7938]

Innate Program A garter snake is not a threat to a human life!

[@lenitaa7938]

Scott Mason Generally, most dangerous snake species are Venomous! A few are poisonous! ;)

[@24hourtravellers]

In Malaysia its motorcyclists that pull handbags. My new HP stolen from my handbag in a mall and our car stolen before. Gotta be careful in general. It's also safe here but scanners and thieves are opportunists

[@CHSCxp]

indonesia too.... from the moment you walk out of airports.

[@aggie8911]

In Vietnam I saw it twice... pulling handbags off people while driving motorbikes... caused bad accidents... terrible.

[@Rodders5000]

Just for the record, I'm South African and I've lived here for all of my 33 years. Crime is bad and all but myself and most of my friends have never really had any problems.

[@mapotofulady141]

Thanks for posting these videos! My friends in China and I message her everyday to make sure she didn’t get kidnapped and I warn her about the dangers in China. We’re huge hotheads... and that’s probably going to place us into lots of trouble considering being heroic is not the safest thing to do.

[@mamaboocee]

My son will be visiting china soon, so thanks for uploading this video. By the way, your head covers the wheel well in your backround beautifully...lol, really - your video contains very good information. I sent my son a link so he can watch. Thank you!

[@AntonioKowatsch]

I have many "white" friends in ZA and most of them got kidnapped and extorted for money. It's really scary. If it wasn't for all the crime I'd visit them more often but man... they even had to hire security personnel, that's how bad it has become. What baffles me is that they still have such an immense love for the place, despite its abhorrent crime rate.

[@ItsDeffoScott]

Because the US is more corrupt

[@jbaum1982]

love this guy! appreciate how he can keep western values in such a different culture for so long. it has to be tough!!

[@SuperCatman]

"Story time with Winston!"

[@SuperCatman]

I set up 2 gopros at the Nanjing opening ceremony of the youth Olympics outside the stadium. thought I hid them well, but one got stolen.

[@serpentza]

+Super Catman that sucks

[@kelvinyschun]

Very good advice. I was biking outside of Yangshuo and bought water. Got picked by the tool but I grabbed his hand. I chased after but let him go. On the train, lost my umbrella while going to toilet. The train stopped and the umbrella vanished when I returned to seat. Lost a phone at a bus stop also.

[@carolynly7993]

Thank you for this great video. I’m your new subscriber. Can’t wait to watch all your videos. 👍🙏

[@Dragoncam13]

I remember back when I was 12 the day after my birthday I in the mall waaitung for a haircut so I went sit alone until it was my time (It's a pretty empty one story mall) and this dude asked to see my phone and when I let him see it he tried to run away with it and said he was "just playing" and I heard under his breath when he said he was thinking about stealing but said he wasn't going to do that to me then after I after i just went go sit in the barbershop and got my hair cut. (A week later I found out that the guy went to my fucking middle school!)Trust me you are most likely to get robbed by your own or a similar race/ethnic group than other races. (I am a Creole and the guy was black and he was with his friends.)That shit taught me common sense real quick. Edit:This was before I even knew that I was I even a Creole and very racially/ethnically mixed so I changed a few words

[@Lue1337]

Why would anyone ask to see your phone? Thats obviously not a thing anyone does with good intention, unless they need to call someone for any reason, in that case only agree to hand the phone on a secure place.

[@Dragoncam13]

@@Lue1337 I was a a naive kid bro

[@angulion]

15:50.. why call cops, he made a little mistake.. I could not disagree more, if you even think of taking someone elses stuff and even more if you actually do grab it, there is no excuse and the one taking ought to be judged. Honesty does not include taking by opportunity, you either do or do not.

[@Mayank612722]

angulion You clearly live in a first world country. If in India I reported such stuff, the cops would roll eyes so hard.

[@ItsDeffoScott]

Because in the US people get shot easily by police

[@thom1218]

The guy at the park lied to your face more than once about first not having your camera, then about finding it in the trash... can't believe the arrogance of that "innocent old man" - you owe your viewers the satisfaction of ruining that clown's day.

[@axeavier]

he didn't look mexican and he could've been anything

[@outseeker]

oh he's of a particular race? yeah it's not theft and lying about it then, no problems

[@noolaiphx8189]

Oscar Blanco Because that other person had no compunction about ruining this guy's day. Simple.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

thom1218 americans have a very punishing culture. Everything and everyone needs to be punished as much as possible for everything.

[@craig4451]

I'm from Tucson.... If he would have called the police, he'd probably still be in Tucson now waiting for them (or they'd just mail him a form to fill out). Tucson police don't respond to crimes unless they are in progress. When friends house was broken into, they just mailed him a form to fill out and mail back. Unless you offer doughnuts or go 5 over a speed limit, don't expect a Tucson cop to show up.

[@michaelwood7355]

Yo Winsten! Keep up the amazing work! Fellow South African here, I can just imagine your theft story happening. Its so funny! Lol

[@heathermurray6776]

I’ve left my phone in multiple public bathrooms and gotten it back... that’s America tho, not china

[@dendygar7035]

Big respect for the demoscene music!

[@serpentza]

+Dendygar thanks mate

[@ndog37]

serpentza is a l33t hacker from way back

[@Chrisexe-di1hm]

i agree!

[@mrwolf8164]

Stealing with the chopsticks😂😂...thats skill...chopstick skill😂😂

[@surapongpimwong4327]

Awesome clips Mike. Can you make video about car dealership in China. Here in CA, USA the Chinese demand massive discount. As you can tell, I’m a car salesman.

[@MrJohnylompoc]

What would make a person hit the dislike button? This was great info and presented well, from real boots on the ground info. Thank you for sharing.

[@MsHojat]

Chinese say "don't interfere with the thieves"? I hate that mentality. Does recording a person work at all, or is it useless since they wouldn't be able to pin a person to a face? Also, were people like the Brazilian capable of speaking Chinese? I suspect not, and I suspect that is the main contributor to being hit by a mob. He has no voice to defend himself. If a person could speak Chinese well then they could say "I saw this man stealing, I don't want to hurt him, just restrain him"

[@bixbe_sglearn]

You should make a video about that GTO! Gorgeous!

[@superfetzi1]

"I got my gun out" that sounds so weird to me, a pampered german 😆

[@rallycsx]

Great video! Thank you for making this!

[@partyheartyboy]

Hi Winston. Great video! Thank you!

[@Jerry-gt7kx]

The point of calling the cops is to ruin their day, definitely. Well if you think u busy that is another story. However, people always need to be educated or punished when they try to steal stuff. If u don't call police they will think: ok, not a big deal this time I will do the same thing next time. People could be opportunists, nothing wrong, but they shouldn't break laws, bottom line.

[@GetOutsideYourself]

"Clothing Arts" brand for pickpocket proof pants. Great for travel. Hidden zippers galore.

[@janaramesh953]

Jonathan Stewart lol😉😂👌👌

[@faradaysage15]

Zippers no. Velcro yes

[@samuelsmith6776]

greeting from south africa! been practicing at the shooting range today haha

[@RParmable]

Great content!--Thanks for this Winston

[@brendagordon4571]

Very valuable information, great video, thanks!!!

[@Glory-to-God.]

its not as bad as Rome or Paris...

[@mrkitty1997]

If you're a foreigner, it's as bad as Rome and Paris. :)

[@petepetersen5418]

Barcelona is the worst and after that Sao Paolo. Took my passport, iPhone and Wallet. The Barcelona thieves were pretty slick, I didn't even notice. The Sao Paolo ones just stop you in the street and take your stuff

[@lechevaliermalfet1]

why is portugal always been poor,and switzerland so rich?

[@danielmanrique8107]

You are missing the point by a mile, the point being that there is a PROBLEM, it doesn't matter ''oh yeah but in paris is worse!'' THAT DOESN'T MAKE THE PROBLEM GO AWAY! DOES IT? China still has problems, and yeah, EVERY COUNTRY DOES, however, it's a problem that the locals can avoid, but as long as every criticism against your country is met by this stupid mentality of ''yeah but your country is worse'', china won't reach its full potential, sorry but it's just how it is, foreigners are the least responsible of making china look bad, (some) chinese people are the main culprits of it.

[@CuongNguyen-le5ic]

@ geheimschriver The different is in China, most Chinese are racist or brainwashed by propaganda to become Nationalist that they would help the thieves instead. The lack of compassion in China is proven so many times, Chinese would pass by people who need help because if they do help, they would get in trouble. Not to mention the biggest thieves in China is not the people, but officials. It would takes lots of officials to cover up ineffective vaccines and still give it to children or so many fake products and you tell me officials don't know about it? Collaboration all around and that's make it even worse. Not to mention the CENSOR of information in China so China's government can tell people, it's not as bad as it looks.

[@BenBradford1]

Where I'm from you can feel safe with your wallet in your back pocket, you can leave your house unlocked, and leave your keys in your car running while you grab something in the store.

[@rafaelzamudio6311]

DavidRsaid ha the U.K. Safe ? With all those Muslims in the countries? Nah

[@llewlem888]

DavidRsaid Central Texas, Appalachia, much of the U.S. Midwest

[@erickrosas1853]

Ben Bradford what's your address bro?

[@AbbasAbbas-wm6rg]

Rafael Zamudio I live in Dearborn where Arabs are everywhere we basically own Dearborn and you can leave anything unlocked and your car running no one will do anything.

[@crazyfootage2037]

Muslim's are forbidden to steal so your comment is a non-point.

[@LeonMTan]

the thief in video has very good skills with the bloody chopsticks,and his behavior is truly disgusting

[@jekster]

It's amazing to me how obvious he looks to everyone else who observes. But as Winston explained it's part of the culture right now that people don't respond to help out. So unfortunate because the dude stays in the same area for so long being a blatant obvious pick pocket to everyone but his victims.

[@jordanfuentes9064]

Im going to China this year. I am extremely curious about these things, and what to watch out for. Much respect to you, as i have no tolerance for thieves and will absolutely react the same way.

[@jimswia1806]

I find your videos very entertaining and helpful. Have been watching many as I am going to be in Shanghai for the first time in early NOV. Your vids are going to help me stay out of trouble! Thanks for posting. Looking forward to more. Will you be in Shanghai anytime soon? Thanks for being and staying AWESOME!!!

[@user-cl6sr4co1s]

take a hike

[@mrmmm3227]

This makes me NOT want to visit but maybe you could input what the police etc are doing. I live in Australia and if these things happened it would be on and they would pay for it. Many people have obviously given up and just live with this which is not a way of life but an excuse to not care. You should not have to live with this and this puts CHINA to shame, they preach good but the natives are unlawfull. Why would you go to a country if you have to spend your whole time worrying about pickpockets, scams, pollution, bad traffic, no laws, unemployment, useless government, 3rd world environment, no road rules, a disgusting sex trade, a hate towards white ppl, etc, etc you paint a really bad picture but you bought the paint from a Chinese store so paint away.