Police Warn Public Over Car Break-Ins

Source: Vientiane Times

The Vientiane Traffic Police Department is warning motorists to take steps to protect their vehicles following a spate of car burglaries, with the most recent incident occurring on Monday night in Nakham village, Sikhottabong district.

The window of a car that was parked outside a restaurant was smashed and items stolen from inside the vehicle, according to police. Police are examining closed-circuit television footage around the scene and hope to make an arrest soon.

Deputy Chief of the Vientiane Police Office under the Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security, Lieutenant Colonel Youttaphong Souvannasing, told Vientiane Times on Wednesday that this year many people in Vientiane had reported that their car was vandalised or broken into.

The Vientiane Traffic Police Department said that so far this year, 42 vehicles had been broken into.

Police were able to solve 15 of the cases and arrested 15 men in connection with the crimes.

Last year, there were 38 reports of car windows being smashed with police solving 31 cases and making 39 arrests.

Most of the incidents occurred at night, with the thieves including both Lao and foreign individuals.

Lt Col Youttaphong said “The thieves work in teams and appear to be well prepared. They target vehicles parked near banks and other finance-related businesses in the capital. Motorists are advised to park in safe areas where their vehicle is easily visible.”

“We strongly advise people not to leave their belongings inside a vehicle, especially money,” he added.

If your car has been broken into, don’t hesitate to report the incident to your local police station.