In Ho Chi Minh City, street robbery, paint attack rates drop

Speaking at the fourth extended conference of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee on the city’s socio-economic performance over the past nine months, Lieutenant General Hoang credited the improvements to the enhanced deployment of local law enforcement units following a recent administrative merger.

Under the national merger strategy, which took effect on July 1, new Ho Chi Minh City was formed by merging the city with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces.

He emphasized that police officers have increased their presence and responsiveness at the grassroots level.

An encouraging sign is that the crime rate continues to fall, while street robbery is no longer a major problem.

The issue of paint attacks has not occurred in the last two months, he stressed.

These efforts also led to the effective handling of public order disturbances and traffic altercations often seen on social media.

However, he raised a pressing question regarding worsening traffic congestion in the city.

He pointed out that under current regulations, ward police are deploying order-keeping officers to the streets rather than traffic officers, so he called for more flexible and efficient staffing to better manage traffic flow and street order.

Besides, he noted the re-emergence of sidewalk encroachment by vehicles, attributing it partly to delayed infrastructure projects, which have left commuters with limited space.

He urged relevant units to accelerate the completion of these projects.

Combatting drug crimes, laughing gas

Mentioning drug-related crimes, he acknowledged that while police efforts have intensified, the situation remains challenging.

He pointed to a shift in behavior among younger drug users who now prefer using drugs in rented apartments or private homes instead of traditional venues like bars or clubs.

Police have discovered and handled many such drug-related cases, he said.

He placed particular emphasis on the need for stringent action against the use and distribution of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which has grown in popularity among youth.

“The impact of laughing gas on the neurological health of young people is severe, and it must be dealt with strictly,” he stated.