What can be done to reduce the rising crime rate?

More than 300 crimes were reported in Chanthabouly district over the first six months of this year, with most related to business disputes, drug dealing, robbery, human trafficking, and other offences. Vientiane Times asked for people’s thoughts on this disturbing trend.
     

Ms Phaengkham, a government official in Xieng Khuang province: I often see news on social media about crimes. Incidents seem to happen almost every day. It’s very scary, and I’m afraid to go anywhere alone at night.  But it’s good to know that drug dealers are arrested almost every day and I would like to give a million thanks to the police for warning people to protect their property. The authorities try to resolve the various problems that arise but I urge everyone to be more careful and to keep their possessions safe. I think thieves should be heavily fined or punished in other ways to make sure they don’t repeat the offence.
 
Ms Kieng, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: I don’t know how many crimes occur each day, but my family were the victims of a crime a few months ago. Someone stole our bike from my house. I think we should all be more alert to protect ourselves and our property and we should heed advice not to visit high-risk areas at night. It’s not just motorbikes that are being taken but also other items, and people are even being killed. Everyone should respect the law and try to act more responsibly so that we make progress as a society and ensure that our country has a good image.
 
Mr Vorrachit Thongphasith, a resident of Savannakhet province: I often hear about robberies and other crimes. I know the police are working hard to ensure security, but there seems to be no end to it. It’s a difficult situation because many people don’t take sufficient precautions and leave their possessions and valuables in unsafe places, especially motorbikes. I always see people parking 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 have to go out and no one stays at home, you should use a strong lock and make sure it will deter thieves. Also, you should not go anywhere alone at night because you’re more likely to be attacked. The authorities should impose harsher penalties on thieves and everyone should show more respect for the law and cooperate with officials to ensure security.
 
Ms Noy, a resident of Vientiane province: This is a difficult problem to resolve because many people don’t respect the law. In addition, I think there are many factors involved. I see many young people abusing drugs, as well as becoming addicted to gambling and a glamorous lifestyle. When their money runs out, they sometimes resort to drug dealing, robbery or other crimes. This is what the authorities should clamp down on, and parents should teach their children to respect the law and set a good example themselves. Things are starting to get out of control and theft is all too common these days. We need more police on the streets and security officials should issue more warnings about the dangers of gambling and other illegal activities.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 19, 2022)