Yangon police have just released numbers on serious crime in the city since January. Warning: it’s not heartening reading.
In the past six months, there have been 96 rape cases, 93 murders, 26 robberies and 3 thefts. And that’s just those which have been reported.
The figures are either the same as or slightly higher than in previous years – in the first half of 2015, there were 79 rape cases and 87 murders.
“Within this month, there have been more rape cases [than usual], an officer from the regional police force told 7Day. “We are patrolling day and night but crime is happening.”
Residents told the paper that they felt more afraid of crime than in the past, due in part to high-profile robberies including a theft at knifepoint near City Hall and a mall stabbing.
“We are hearing that robbery cases are happening even in the daytime,” said Nwe New from Latha Township. “Women were attacked with knives or scissors. This is defying the rule of law.”
A proposal to reduce crime rates through installing CCTV and additional lighting has been put to the regional government.