Picture courtesy of VN Express

 

An American tourist in Ho Chi Minh City experienced an unexpected incident on June 3 when her mobile phone was brazenly snatched by a thief. While enjoying a stroll in the bustling Ben Thanh Ward, the 40-year-old visitor suddenly found herself the victim of a theft.

 

The alleged culprit, identified as 25-year-old Nguyen Phi Hung, swiftly fled the scene after grabbing the phone. However, thanks to quick action and modern technology, local police were able to resolve the situation efficiently. By reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras, authorities quickly tracked down and apprehended Hung. They were able to recover the stolen phone and return it to the relieved tourist shortly thereafter.

 

The local police have reported a notable decrease in such criminal activities, with snatch thefts dropping by 47.5% and robberies decreasing by 31.6% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This decline highlights the effectiveness of local law enforcement efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-05

 

 

Do they REALLY keep statistics on phone thefts in Vietnam? My phone was stolen in Ho Chi Minh City a few years ago, and all three of the police stations I visited wouldn't allow me to file a report. They even accused me of trying to file a fake report for the purpose of committing insurance fraud, but I didn't have any insurance on it.