What should be done to put a stop to robberies and other crimes?

A large number of people in Laos are experiencing financial hardship. While the rising price of gold means this is a good time to buy gold items and jewellery, it increases the risk of robbery and violent crime. Vientiane Times asked for people’s thoughts on ways to prevent crime and stay safe.

Ms Laa Keophomma, a company employee in Xaythany district, Vientiane: During times of financial hardship such as we are experiencing now, there are more and more causes of crime. Many young people are involved with drugs or are addicted to gambling, or simply want to adopt a glamorous lifestyle. Unfortunately, they often don’t have enough money for their needs so they resort to drug dealing, theft or other crimes to fund their undesirable lifestyle. This is also the wedding season when people like to wear elaborate dresses and sport their jewellery and affluence. But such displays of wealth make us vulnerable to theft, and the risk of crime increases, especially if we go out alone at night. The authorities should issue more warnings about the need for caution so that theft is less common.
 
Mr Viengxay, a resident of Champassak province: Yes, I know that theft and burglary is on the rise and that the police are trying to curb crime, but there seems to be no end to it. It’s a difficult situation because too many people don’t take sufficient care with their possessions and leave them in unsafe places, especially motorbikes. Lots of people leave their bikes outside markets which is risky even though there are parking attendants. I think people need to take more responsibility for their belongings. If you need to go out and there’s no one in the house, you should use a strong lock that will deter thieves. In addition, you should avoid going anywhere alone at night because this increases the risk of being attacked and robbed. I feel the authorities should impose harsher penalties on thieves and everyone should pay more attention to the regulations and cooperate with officials to protect their valuables.

Ms Kham, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: I don’t know how many crimes occur each day but my family was the victim of a theft a few months ago. Someone stole our bike when we were riding it at night. We should all do more to protect ourselves and our possessions. We should also try to avoid going anywhere risky at night. It’s not just motorbikes that are being stolen – people’s lives are at risk when a robbery takes place. Everyone should respect the regulations and try to behave more responsibly so that we make progress as a society and ensure that our country has a good image.
 
Ms Mai Lormany, a resident of Vientiane province: I often read on social media about the crimes that take place on a daily basis. It’s very scary and I’m afraid to go anywhere alone at night. But I also hear that drug dealers are arrested almost every day so that’s some comfort. The authorities are trying to try resolve these problems and I urge everyone to pay more attention to this matter and to keep their possessions safe. In addition, thieves should be fined or penalised more harshly so they are less tempted to repeat the offence.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update March 11, 2022)