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creasing the severity of punishment;
and solving the economic problems
that lead to more crimes.
Some suggested Ho Chi Minh City
authorities to set up a tourism police
force, but the idea had been turned
down.
Nguyen Nhu Phong, editor-in-chief
of Petrotimes said: “The robberies in
Hanoi have dropped by about a third
thanks to the 141 Force. 18 provinces
have learned from the model, but Ho
Chi Minh City has not.”
Manh Thang, an engineer in Ho
Chi Minh City, believes the manner in
which the police deal with victims is
not good enough: “A short while ago
during daylight hours a girl’s hand was
nearly cut off by robbers near Phu My
bridge. My friend met the same situa-
tion in the evening. He was knifed to
the neck. I went to the nearest police
station to inform them, but the two on
duty policemen said that the incident
took place in District 2, not 7 and told
me to go to the District 2 police. I could
not believe the tough and mechanical
way they worked in such an urgent situ-
ation. That way of working will not en-
courage people to inform police about
their cases.”
While solutions are being dis-
cussed, many tips have been given to
help people prevent themselves from
being robbed, for example not wear-
ing jewelry, carrying mobile phones,
laptops or bags and not going on to
the streets alone late at night. It is
necessary to be aware when walking
on the street because there may be
signs to help you recognise the robber,
especially when you are alone or near
banks, ATMs and hotels. Being aware of
followers who try to approach you on
the street is another way to avoid a bad
situation however, if it happens, call
out loud for help and try to remember
the mugger’s appearance and the make
and plate number of their motorbike.
Some people remain optimistic,
however, including Sarah, a 22 year
old American tourist: “Even if there has
been an increase, as far as I’m aware Vi-
etnam is still one of the safest countries
in Asia and at worst it won’t be any less
safe than elsewhere in the region. Just
don’t carry too much money with you,
wear a bag that goes over your head
and remain vigilant.”
17
timeout
The robberies
in Hanoi have
dropped by about a third
thanks to the 141 Force.
18 provinces have learned
from the model.