Job Discussion Forums

[muttley]

Some of the previous postings on, this issue are dated, so I�d rather get a general feel on present day Ho Chi Minh City.

I�m not overly worried & I understand HCMC is a busy, bustling city, but I�m asking more for peace of mind.

Could some of the HCMC regulars provide any information with regards to safety of personal possessions? i.e. crime, petty theft, security in general. For example has anyone had theft from their living accommodation; going to and from school with a laptop would this pose a problem? Silly question perhaps.

Thanks.
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[snollygoster]

Thefts from home? Yes- Brazen to say the least- Thieves posed as "cable guys" and when they left, (TV no different) so did wallett, wifes jewelry etc.
Lucky some clown tried to sell my credit card to a plain clothes cop on PHL and all over red rover- got it all back apart from cash.

Lap-top snatch? Never knew anyone that this actually happened to, but necklace snatch while driving along is not uncommon. Actually saw this happen one day at reasonable speed and the female victim lost control of her bike and fell on the gutter and was killed.

Sounds like its rife, but its not common- reasonable precautions will usuallly prevent the situation developing.

Muggings and home invasion with violence are very rare-Just dont trust the cable guy!

[jb0072009]

Pick pocketing is rife here. If going to a crowded area DO NOT take a wallet, jewerly, camera. Just take some cash and your keys. These guys are real pros, I know it happened to me on Le Loi. My wallet was in front pocket of pants and I did not feel a thing. Lucky for me he was an honest thief. While walking away after discovering the missing wallet and freaking out he drove by me on his motorbike and threw the wallet at me. Everything was in it except the cash (a big 150000VND) He must have been pissed! Also watch your helmets. If they are any decent quality at all they will be stolen unless you put inside the seat , take it with you or check it. They will just cut the straps if you lock them the typical way. Had 2 Honda helmets stolen like that (gee they cost like $5 more than cheap one). Have seen a woman walking down street and the old motorbike driveby cut and slash purse routine. Home theft is very uncommon. Now on the flipside there are many honest people here. I have twice left cellphone on bus only to have a local yell to me before getting off bus

[jhawkguy77]

I have been in HCM for about 5 months now. In that time I have had an iphone taken form my pocket, 2 motorbike helmets stolen (as previously stated ALWAYS put under your seat even if running into some place for a second). I have been jumped on Halloween here. 7 VN guys around the age of 18-21.... Probably trying to rob me. I was walking down the street late. Hit me with a metal bar a few time until I got it away from them and started swinging back. They all ran. Few bruises but nothing major.

I think the important thing is to always be aware of your surroundings and never let your guard down. For the most part there is not much violence only theft.

[Porlestone]

[Green Acres]

Motorbike theft is common and rampant in districts 7, 8, and 6. Also along the border of Tan Phu and the northeastern side of the airport. They like to find sanctuary in district 8, so along that border is really scary day or night. There are a few deaths to report, as computer bags etc. were being taken from passengers, only to result in crashes, and death. It's really a sad state of affairs, and it occurs every day, don't think it doesn't.

On the other hand, theft is different in other parts of the city. Pick pockets work in the downtown areas mostly; shoe shine boys will snatch anything from a table and run; if you rent a bike it may well be stolen by the owner's friends (you must refund the bike, and they rent it out to another victim in another part of town). These things happen every day, and don't think they don't.

As a foreigner, you have a bull's eye on your personal belongings -- and don't think that you don't. Odds are that it will happen to you -- ask anyone if they have had something stolen, and you will not find anyone to say "no." I've never lived in a place, other than London (lol), with such rampant thievery. I think it's also because the expat community is relatively small, so it's easy for us all to become victims over time. It's just a matter of time -- being thieved and having a moto accident -- the only question remaining is how much and how bad?

Good luck!!

[CThomas]

Please stay alert... and try and stay focused on the good, the beautiful, and the true.

Above all, I think crossing streets -- and even standing on the street corner -- can be dangerous, as EVERYWHERE is a motorbike causeway here. Lord, I crossed the street in Phu Nham at the peek of rush hour today... wow.

I can't wait to get a bike, though.

[flyingmonkey]

In the backpacker area I had someone snatch the beer that was right in front of me. I was sitting outside near the road so I was in a more vulnerable position. Another time I had my motorbike helmet stolen in the teacher's parking lot.