The newly appointed secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee has set an objective to reduce crimes and offenses in the southern city over the next three months.

At a meeting with city police officers on Wednesday, Dinh La Thang, Secretary of the local Party Committee and member of Vietnam’s Politburo, requested that police exert more effort to cause crime rates in the city to decline significantly in that period.

The meeting, attended by many high-ranking officials, including Deputy Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Tat Thanh Cang, Chairman of the People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong among others, was convened to review the city’s security situation.

In 2015, the number of criminal offenses in Ho Chi Minh City decreased compared to the previous year, according to the report presented at a conference on January 5.

Despite the drop, the percentage of cases solved by officers remained low as criminal operations have become more sophisticated.

In order to reach the goal, simultaneous measures and coordination should be carried out by competent authorities to support police officers in maintaining the security and safety of the city, Secretary Thang said.

It was also requested that a system of security cameras be installed across the city to provide close supervision and necessary evidence for the investigation of officers.

A new crime fighting mechanism should be established in which citizens are encouraged to contribute their efforts, as well as being rewarded for their achievements, in protecting the society, the secretary recommended.

He also suggested that Ho Chi Minh City police improve their management over the city’s beggars, especially in the downtown area, and sternly punish drug addicts as they are often the roots of criminal activities.

In addition, Secretary Thang addressed the function and responsibility of the city’s leaders.

“Leaders of the city have to acknowledge their responsibilities. Those who fail to fulfill their duties and earn the trust of the people should be rebuked and disciplined,” Thang asserted.

On behalf of police officers in Ho Chi Minh City, Major General Truong Dong Phong, director of the municipal Department of Police, expressed his gratitude to the attention and leadership of Secretary Thang.

“After receiving the directions of the secretary of the Party Committee, police officers in the city will continue to fulfill their mission of ensuring security and order of the city,” Major General Phong said.

Thang was appointed the secretary of the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City on February 5.

He resumed the position of Minister of Transport in 2011 and was named member of the all-powerful Politburo during the 12th National Party Congress in January this year.

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