Residents in Sittwe feel deprived of their security amid a reportedly rising crime rate in the Arakan State capital, which these days sees reports of muggings in broad daylight in which motorbike-riding thieves grab handphones and purses from pedestrians.

Locals say lack of rule of law and authorities’ failure to take harsh action against criminals are to blame for the recent spate of crimes in the city. Local residents recently spoke to DMG about their concerns.

Daw Yi Yi Nyunt (betel quid seller)

There have been a lot of muggings lately in which people were robbed of their phones and other things. So, we don’t feel safe to walk the streets now. We are concerned that we might be beaten or punched when we are mugged.

I dare not run my stall alone now. I have to keep my eyes wide open for fear that something bad might happen to me. The security situation has become worse. There have been many thefts and muggings.

I don’t feel safe outside on the streets. Security personnel should be deployed. Things will be better if there is a security apparatus; for example, a CCTV camera surveillance system. But then, CCTV cameras can’t prevent crimes, and thieves are never arrested even if they are caught on CCTV cameras. Three-wheelers and motorcycles are also stolen.

Ma Nandar Oo (whose phone was stolen in a mugging)

There are university students studying in Sittwe. So, parents from other parts of Arakan State who have sent their children to Sittwe for study have concerns about the safety of their children.

We dare not go out often now because of concerns for our safety. We don’t go out now unless we are accompanied by five or six friends. And we feel safer with more male friends. It is not OK for students here if the security situation worsens.

We want authorities to tighten security, and take harsh action against murderers, muggers and robbers so that women feel safer. But in most crimes, the perpetrators were never arrested and punished. People will be satisfied if they can go anywhere safely.

Ma Thida Soe (Mrauk-U resident studying in Sittwe)

Previously, if I needed to buy something, I could go alone, but not now. I don’t feel safe enough to take out and answer my phone if it rings while I am alone walking on the streets.

Previously, I could take my cellphone when I went out. However, I feel really reluctant to take my phone with me when I go out now. I am concerned that I might be mugged. And I dare not go alone to quiet places. And I dare not take three-wheelers alone for fear that the tuk-tuk taxi driver might rob me. So, I don’t go out often now. I only go out with my friends when I need to buy something.

So, we want authorities to tighten security to create a safer environment for women.

Maung Kyaw Kyaw (employee at motorbike wash)

Previously, when I went out, I could stay as long as I liked, but my parents now aske me to come back home early.

I am also concerned that muggers might steal my phone. When I go out with my motorbike, I can’t help watching the rearview mirrors for fear that I might be mugged by riders. And in that case, I am concerned that a motorbike accident would happen, and I might get injured.

Authorities should install CCTV cameras in response. And people don’t usually help each other while someone is mugged. Crimes have increased partly because of soaring food prices.