Vietnam is expected to re-establish specialized crime fighting forces, following pilot programs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The re-establishment of the so-called ‘Thief Hunters’ crime fighting units, previously well-known for excellence in ensuring social order and security, will be considered again following a trial period in the two Vietnamese hubs, Lieutenant General Le Van De, an official from the Ministry of Public Security, said at a press conference on Monday.

Originally formed to fight the war on crime back in 1975, during the country’s first days of reunification, the units took on armed gangs, murderers, thieves, and kidnappers.

Members were all required to be under 30 years old, and were granted privileges in their selection of weaponry and their use of certain methods of apprehending offenders.

‘Thief Hunters' were allowed to ride their motorcycles at maximum speed, and were generally considered to be above the law when it came to following traffic signals and regulations.

Additionally, when in pursuit of wanted criminals, the ‘hunters’ were permitted to shoot down their targets after two warning shots.

Eventually, however, the ‘Thief Hunters’ were disbanded after several amendments to the law, rendering their operation impractical.

The Ministry of Public Security supports the idea of recreating the team, Lt. Gen. De said, adding that a thorough study should be conducted beforehand regarding several legal issues.

“It would be difficult to the form the old team with (the same) previous authorization, as it would be against the law. For example, current regulations stipulate that law enforcers cannot jump red lights while pursuing their targets,” the police official elaborated.

The new units will be piloted under the management of the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Departments of Police in the near future.

“An evaluation will then be carried out to determine whether the model would become official and be extended to other locations,” De said.

Criminals more complicated, reckless

Over 21,000 criminal offenses were uncovered by police in the first six months of 2016, Major General Luong Tam Quang, deputy head of the Ministry of Public Security, said at the press meeting.

Nearly 43,000 suspects were arrested, up 2.37 percent year-on-year, including about 21,000 gamblers and members of over 1,000 illegal betting rings, Quang continued.

Criminal activity in Vietnam has become more complicated, more sophisticated, and more reckless, as evidenced by the use of weapons and violence in public places, the police official explained.

There was also an increase in homicides during the six-month period, especially among family members, he said, adding that three murders happen on average every day.

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