Public Warned Break-Ins On The Rise

Vientiane Police Office issued a new warning to members of the public last Friday to be aware of gangsters breaking and entering to steal their valuables after a spate of incidents last month.

The office’s interrogative and investigative section reported that the problem of breaking and entering seems to be increasing in Vientiane, with 16 reported burglaries in May alone.

Deputy Chief of the section Major Am-ay Luangpakdy said gangs of thieves are targeting homes and businesses when nobody is around, especially those known to have safes containing valuables.

“We were able to arrest some of them but we are still looking for the major gangsters, some of whom are already under investigation,” he said.

A break in at a Chinese agriculture and livestock company in Kaengkhay village, Xaythany district, Vientiane was among the major incidents in May, during which gangsters made off with a safe containing over 242 million kip, some Chinese currency, a gold necklace, bracelet and ring.

“We hope the public will pay more attention to the problem because we are coming into the rainy season and people sleep very well at night so it presents opportunities for gangsters to prey on vulnerable properties,” Major Am-ay said.

He advised that people increase security at their businesses and reassess potential vulnerabilities as well as install closed-circuit television cameras to help officials during investigations.

The record showed there were 16 reported cases of breaking and entering at local businesses and residences last month, which resulted in damages and losses exceeding 500 million kip.

“We also received reports that there were some criminals trying to steal motorcycles at several games shops but luckily the customers were able to detain some of them,’ Major Am-ay said.

He added that last month officials arrested some gangsters who were responsible for a string of motorcycle thefts and were able to return many of them to their rightful owners.

Major Am-ay stressed that police require more cooperation from members of the public if they are to keep them safe from criminals, especially in regards to coming forward with any information they might have.

Source: Vientiane Times