Robberies linked to the many temporary illegal gambling establishments blatantly operating in the junta-controlled Mon State capital of Mawlamyine are on the rise.
There have been at least six robberies in downtown Mawlamyine in December 2024 alone, according to information gathered by Than Lwin Times. They include wallets and phones snatched from pedestrians and thefts from gold shops and even roadside stalls.
Junta organised events and celebrations in Mawlamyine , such as pagoda festivals, fairs, markets and theatrical events like plays and traditional music concerts are acting as a front for illegal gambling operations, according to a Mawlamyine resident who wanted to remain anonymous,
He said to Thanlwin Times: “For example, many events are held under the guise of pagoda festivals, but in reality, large gambling organisations take over. Both adults and young people gamble, and when they lose, they resort to desperate actions to try to win back their money. This is corrupting people's morals, and stealing and robberies are becoming increasingly common.”
The junta has been organising events where illegal gambling also happens in Mawlamyine and towns and villages throughout Mon State. It claims such events are intended to make areas where they happen more vibrant and busy.
Another Mawlamyine resident who also wanted to remain anonymous said: “In Mawlamyine, gambling activities are rampant under the guise of festivities. Losing gamblers have started committing thefts, such as stealing motorcycles, and have become increasingly bold, openly stealing. It could get worse in the future.”
Before the February 2021 coup, robberies were rare in Mawlamyine, but they have increased since the coup. The situation is getting so bad that some people even feel unsafe just leaving their homes.
Some robbers operate in groups and they often carry weapons like knives.
But, when the victims of robberies and theft report the crimes at police stations they are often required to pay money or face interrogation. This means that many people will hesitate or avoid going to see the police when they become the victims of crime.
Many Mawlamyine residents question why, despite the surging number of robberies, the junta has taken no action against the perpetrators.
The junta has yet to identify or arrest any of the robbers, despite installing hundreds of CCTV cameras with facial and vehicle licence plate recognition in Mawlamyine City as part of its ‘Star City’ project. Allegedly they have been installed for the public’s safety.
