Pickpocketing is one of the oldest and most widespread crimes in history, so why did I think it would be any different in China. My last two months in Shanghai have been simply amazing and I can honestly say that nowhere have I felt safer. Despite hustle and bustle, an inability to comprehend Chinese and the everyday challenges of life in a foreign city, I have found integrity, support and a true willingness to help from everyone I've met.

As a seasoned traveller I have learnt to live looking over my shoulder, suspicious of strangers and anticipating danger on every street corner. Living in China is different. In a country where crime is so low and personal assaults almost unheard of, my apprehensions of personal safety have been replaced by a foolish air of nonchalance.

It happened to me just a couple of days ago on the metro. Placing my purse in my coat pocket at Lujiazui, I hopped aboard a train which, although quite busy, was by no means as crowded as usual.

Although I was subconsciously aware of someone standing close behind me, I had no reason to suspect "foul-play". After all, in Shanghai it is quite normal for complete strangers to be pressed up against you for the duration of a metro ride and it would take one savvy traveller to spot a skilled pickpocket.

Oblivious to his furtive touch and surreptitious removal of my belongings, I only realised on my way out of the station at People's Square that my purse had gone. Disbelieving for one minute that this could have happened to me, I retraced my steps back inside. Realizing very quickly that the thief would be long gone, I had to console myself with "it could have been worse", and "how could I have been so vulnerable".

Pickpockets can completely ruin your trip, especially if, unlike my case thank goodness, they run off with your credit cards and identification papers, as well as your cash. So how can we best avoid becoming the unsuspecting victim? The best defence is to play hard to get at. Don't look like an easy target. Even if you are lost and confused, try to look sure of yourself and be constantly aware. Most pickpockets are cautious thieves hoping to avoid any kind of confrontation.

Pickpockets will always be around and there is little law enforcement can do to curb their crimes. For the impoverished it is still a relatively easy method of stealing money with minimal risk. So be vigilant at all times, wherever you are, and the culprit is sure to move onto a worthier target.

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