So we have about a month before Spring Festival starts on Feb 18. That means a lot of folks hustling to make money before they head home, some less scrupulously than others. Based on our combined decades of experience in Shanghai, this is prime time to get pickpocketed or have your house broken into. The Shanghai Police posted a similar warning on their website last year around this time last year.

Basically, don't carry a lot of cash. If you do, keep it in your front pocket. Lock your doors and windows. Double lock your bike and keep it in sight. In fact, don't let any possessions out of your sight and don't leave your cell phone on the table in public places. Don't walk by yourself down dark alleys at night. Lock the door at the ATM. Basic Scruff McGruff shit. Like they say in Singapore, low crime doesn't mean no crime. And if you follow any touts offering a "lady massage", well, prepare to get robbed. Not trying to freak anyone out, but if there is a time to get robbed, it's the time before Chinese New Year. For a full list of scams that can happen in Shanghai any time of the year, check out this article from last year.