HCMC stays alert against rising crimes amid reopening after lockdown

By Trung Son October 19, 2021 | 06:42 pm PT

Police forces in HCMC get ready for their patrols, September 30, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Hien Vinh

The HCMC administration has instructed the police to strengthen efforts to prevent crimes, warning they are likely to rise during the rest of this year.

Speaking at a meeting on Tuesday, city vice-chairman Ngo Minh Chau said the police should stay alert as the city reopens after Covid-19, especially to gang-related crimes and usury.

The two pillars of socio-economic recovery are controlling the pandemic and guaranteeing security and order, and "If either of those pillars are not well controlled, HCMC will face many challenges."

HCMC has been the epicenter of the country's latest Covid wave and started to ease all restrictions and gradually reopen on Oct. 1 after four months of various levels of lockdowns.