2 female 'thieves' specialize in creating jostling situations at markets to pickpocket and slash wallets to steal money

Yen Thanh District Police, Nghe An has just initiated a case, prosecuted 2 defendants, and temporarily detained for 2 months Bui Thi Ha (born 1974, residing in Son Thanh Commune) and Nguyen Thi Huong (born 1965, residing in Cong Thanh Commune) for theft of property.

Previously, on August 14, 2019, some residents in Yen Thanh district reported to the district police that their pockets were pickpocketed and their wallets were slashed while going to Vach Bac market in Do Thanh commune and Cuoi market in Tho Thanh commune.

Defendant Nguyen Thi Huong. Photo: Duc Vu

After receiving the complaint, the District Police quickly sent officers to the scene to verify. At around 9:00 a.m. on August 14, 2019, Yen Thanh District Police arrested Bui Thi Ha, inspected the motorbike she was driving, and discovered 4 mobile phones (smartphones) inside the trunk of the motorbike, including 3 phones belonging to 3 victims who had reported the theft to Yen Thanh District Police.

At the Yen Thanh District Police Department, Bui Thi Ha confessed to her crimes, specifically: On the morning of August 14, 2019, Bui Thi Ha committed 3 thefts in Yen Thanh district at Cuoi market, Tho Thanh commune and Vach Bac market, Do Thanh commune.

Searching Bui Thi Ha's residence, the police seized 9 more mobile phones (brands Samsung, Oppo, Iphone), 24.6 million VND, 1,700 USD.

Expanding the investigation, on August 15, 2019, Yen Thanh District Police made an emergency arrest of Nguyen Thi Huong.

Defendant Bui Thi Ha with the stolen phones. Photo: Duc Vu

During the investigation, the police determined that Ms. Ha and Ms. Huong had agreed and discussed with each other to successfully carry out thefts in Dien Chau and Yen Thanh districts. The targets they targeted were people going to the market. Taking advantage of the loopholes, the two women created a jostling situation, then quickly stole phones and cash that the people going to the market had in their pockets and bags.

It is known that Bui Thi Ha had a previous conviction for theft of property, and in 2017 after being released from prison, she continued to steal property to make a living.