Job Discussion Forums

[sigmoid]

An interesting article about crime in HCMC:

Expats clamor over crime

http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20110505101309.aspx

some excerpts:

[bludevil96]

Everything has its own perspective. This is nothing in comparison to a typical U.S. city.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

[clayrview]

I agree and disagree. I'm from Toronto, and although there is some crime, I would say HCMC is far far beyond was is to be expected in a 'Big City'.

Within a YEAR of living here people at my school have:

Had purses snatched by motos
Followed home and robbed
dogs kidnapped and held for ransom
motorbikes stolen
groped by... I dunno.. a stranger?

Also, 2 foreigners in my apartment building were tasered, beaten and had their homes robbed.

Within a year at home, its uncommon to have so many instances of crime happen to people you know.

Although, I do chalk a lot of it up to people taking unnecessary risks, and just not knowing any better.

I've not been a victim of crime here because i've learned to be distrustful and overcautious. I don't wear jewelery, have an expensive phone, carry a handbag. If I come home late, I have to talk on the phone to someone while I open my apartment door in case someone jumps me (both attacked were women). I check and recheck bills as I've been ripped off many times, I never wear earphones outside so I'm always aware of my surroundings- you get the idea.

My boyfriend and I have lived in Seoul, Shanghai, London etc, and yes there is crime and lots of it, but not at the same frequency.

I could probably travel on the London tube for a good couple a years before someone ripped my laptop from my hands, while here-- I bet if I walked around the city with a laptop it would be ripped out of my hands within the week.

All THAT said the TYPE of crime is different. Being a woman I can walk around at night in Vietnam with little fear I'm going to be beaten and raped. And I would NOT walk home alone at night in London or Toronto.

[Ryan425]

Being from a large city in the States, my street smarts are always active. Crime is everywhere, but you must be aware of your surroundings and be cautious.

In the Thanh Nien article, the Consulate suggested that Americans use the buddy system. To me, the buddy system only lets everyone know that you are afraid to walk by yourself. Since you cannot always count on having a buddy with you 24/7, you have to be brave; you have to be aware. If you are a religious person, you could say a little prayer before, during and/or after your outing. Then go about your business as usual.

If you feel that your area is dangerous, move. If you feel that your apartment building is dangerous, move. Do your research. Explore new neighborhoods. Find the security, amenities, and the comfort you are looking for.

Please don't chalk off the entire city as a crime-ridden cesspool. It isn't.

[bludevil96]

There are "hot spots" to stay away from. Violent crimes against foreigners are still rare. The recent murders of the 2 security guard in D2 is VN on VN crime. It happens to be in an area where a lot of the large houses are rented by foreigners so people assumes the worst. There was a murder of an VN student by an English teacher whose whereabouts is currently unknown. What's the point? It happens but not to the degree of getting the Consulate involved. The consulate itself is a big joke, filled with egotistic maniacs. The U.S gvt. doesn't have any ethical legitimacy to lecture people about crimes, human rights, or event democracy for that matter.

As some people here have pointed out, it's the use of common sense. We tend to be reckless when we let our guards down. Let's not forget that the majority of the people here makes around $1500 PER YEAR. Is that a reason for stealing or robbery? No, but it creates an environment of opportunism. At my company, people are returning Iphones left in meetings and bathrooms before the owners knew it was missing. We're not talking about high wage earners here but typical educated Vietnamese with a BS degree.

Just make sure you wear pants with secure buttons/zippers for pockets and be aware of overcrowded areas where people brush up against you. Learn where to hold things when walking on the street. Be aware of your surroundings. One joker in this whole deck in recent months have been the existence of the Phillipino scammers going after vulnerable tourists. Other than that, it's just the usual pick pocketing, taxi meters, and overcharging. If that gets too much for you, then it's time to get your passport stamp.

Cheers! [/img]

[chim35]

[Aristede]

[1st Sgt Welsh]

[Aristede]

[half moon]

[1st Sgt Welsh]

[snollygoster]

Thats a bit more sophisticated than the one some Viet females pull, like the "New boyfriend, my mum lives in a hovel down in the Mekong and could you help her to upgrade her house by letting me send her a little money".
Mr Walking ATM opens up the wallet because he's in love, and Miss lovely says thanks, and continues the relationship as long as Mr Walking ATM keeps shelling out for the house in the Mekong.

One day he asks to see his investment in the form of improvements in the house in the Mekong, and suddenly the Miss lovely can not be located again.

Of course she tries this on with 2 or 3 other "Walking ATMs" who also fall for the big eyes and the generous nature of Miss Lovely who wants to provide for her disadvantaged mum.

With just a couple of million dong a month from each of her current Walking ATMs, she has a nice income by Viet standards, has no mum down the Mekong, and enjoys the challenge of using her body and her wits to watch her string of Walking ATMs gladly part with their hard earned money. And she (and her friends and even her REAL boyfriend or husband) enjoy a good laugh at the vulnerability of the victim of their scam, as they talk about their hatred of the westerner. Ha ha ha!

Of course, she will never tell you about her "other" Walking ATMs- Why should she- she's having a great sex life, and enjoys the challenge of stringing out her Walking ATM for as long as she can.

[Aristede]

[deadlift]