Myanmar crime increases after the coup

18 February 2022
Myanmar crime increases after the coup
An aerial view of Yangon city in the morning. Photo: Nyein Chan Naing/EPA

More than a year after the military took power in Myanmar, frequent crimes are erupting in the countries cities and towns making people feel insecure.

This insecurity is not felt only by those who go out and struggle to do jobs, but also by those left at home.

In a country where the rule of law is weakening, life can be dangerous and people worry about being in danger. According to a Yangon resident, it is too dangerous to stay alone, either at your home or when you are out, so people spend time in groups.

Robberies with deadly weapons are on the rise these days in some big cities, including Yangon and Mandalay, crimes like phone theft during the day, necklace theft, and robberies at banks and gold shops are on the rise.

A man who was robbed in the evening while he was on a bus in Yangon said, “When the bus returned to the city center, a middle-aged man got on the bus and stole a young passenger’s phone and then hit him with a knife handle because he refused to give him money. Then, the man went to the driver, took his phone and fled.”

When threatened with a deadly weapon most people are horrified and unable to resist.

People are urging each other to be vigilant because they are facing all kinds of crimes.

Police stations are only focused on political issues and armed resistance, so the police are unable to deal with criminal offenses. Locals say that if you report a complaint to the police, no effective action will be taken.

An elderly woman was robbed while living alone at her home in Dawbon Township, Yangon Region on the morning of 15 February. The robber knocked on the door and requested a glass of water from the old woman. She was robbed while she was getting the glass of water for him, according to locals. She was injured and local residents chased and arrested the robber. Now, people are having to help each other.

The Safe City Index, compiled by The Economist magazine, recently identified Yangon as one of the most dangerous cities in the world for robbery. Victims say they all have remained silent because they fear the robbers will seek revenge.

Not only are petty robberies on the rise, but gangs have also been stealing from financial services providers, including banks, since the coup d'état. At least six banks, including banks in downtown Yangon, as well as banks in several states, have been robbed.

Three people, including a woman, reportedly robbed the Kanbawza Bank in Kyaukme. and took around 100,000 kyats at around 2 p.m. on 3 September 2021. The bank was located in a quiet area and there were no traffic jams, so the robbers easily drove away. When there are bank robberies, the junta-run newspapers accuse local People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) of carrying out the robberies.

The army, which should keep the country secure sets fire to houses in villages, breaks into houses and steals valuables. People are killed using weapons paid for with taxpayers’ money. The junta violently controls state power and directs it against the people. Without rule of law, those who want

to make easy money rob each other. Currently, crimes are on the rise in Myanmar and the country is facing destruction according to local people.