So just how safe is Shanghai?

Probably still pretty safe, especially when compared to other major cities in the world. But a foreigner still might not want to walk alone down a street famous for brothels at 3:30 am with a wad of cash is his pocket.

An email from a Shanghaiist reader:

An American friend of mine was out drinking and playing pool in a bar until about 3:30am last night. When he left, alone, there were no cabs around so he walked up Fumin Lu a bit. Out of nowhere, some guy started talking to/at him, but my friend doesn't speak Chinese well and turned around to avoid the guy. Behind him were 3 other men, and soon a 5th surrounded him. They restrained him, sort of knocking him to the ground, and took his wallet, phone, and an envelope of cash from his suit jacket. The envelope had over 10,000 RMB he had withdrawn for an apartment deposit. They took the 100s out of his wallet then threw it, and his phone back to him. He's sure the guys didn't know him or follow him, they just jumped him on the street. He's lucky to only have a couple bumps and bruises, and foolish for carrying that much cash out on the town. He filed a police report this morning. I guess Shanghai is not as safe as it sometimes feels.

Be careful out there.

Image from aeontees.com.