Numerous electronic devices have been pinched from public places across Ho Chi Minh City since the beginning of the year, causing losses worth nearly VND600 million (US$25,834).

The public transport management center under the municipal Department of Transport confirmed on Wednesday they are coordinating with relevant agencies to investigate the theft.

Multiple objects, including LED screens, touchscreens, and the timer switches and power supplies for public lighting systems, have been taken away from local bus stops, advertising signs and public banners.

Each of the devices is valued at VND500,000 ($21.5) to up to VND40 million ($1,720).

About 140 objects were nicked from nearly 100 locations across the metropolis in January-September, with total losses worth about VND600 million, the management center stated.

At some locations in the downtown area, those pieces of equipment are repeatedly stolen.

Electronic devices have been stolen from public locations across the city. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Competent agencies have been informed of the theft and a probe has been launched.

According to the public transport management center, the culprits often travel on motorbikes or pretend to be bus passengers and steal the devices when people do not pay attention.

They also bring along tools to steal faster and easier.

Some of them would claim to be technicians tasked with fixing the devices when people suspect.

A few thieves even turn local surveillance cameras away or damage the devices to hide their trace.

The stolen objects would then be sold to local electronic stores.

As each of the devices serves a specific function at local bus stops, the theft has significantly affected the safety and convenience of bus users and commuters in general.

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