Investigating and prosecuting those who vandalized vending machines in Vinh City.

Repeated violations

Most recently, through the camera system, at approximately 2:00 AM on March 23, 2022, atvending machineLocated near a bus stop on Nguyen Trai Street, in Ha Huy Tap Ward (opposite the Endocrinology Hospital), four teenagers used long iron bars and wrenches to repeatedly smash the glass of a vending machine. After vandalizing the display case, the group took the soft drinks from the case and put them into pre-prepared plastic containers to carry them away. They then returned to continue vandalizing and taking the remaining merchandise.

Arriving at the scene after the incident, we observed that the entire front glass of the vending machine was completely damaged, and all the items inside had been stolen. Many people waiting for the bus expressed their concern, saying that the installation of the vending machine was very convenient for passersby, especially in areas without shops, and wondered why it had been vandalized.

A vending machine on Nguyen Trai Street (opposite the Endocrinology Hospital) was vandalized and its contents stolen. Photo: D.C.

It was learned that in March, specifically on March 17, 2022, Mr. Nguyen Van Cuong, an operator at VVM Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company, discovered that the vending machine's glass had been smashed at a vending machine located on the sidewalk of Truong Thi Secondary School, Dinh Bat Tuy Street, Truong Thi Ward (Vinh City), although there was no damage to the property inside.

Previously, CCTV footage showed that at around 1 AM on March 9, 2022, two young men on an electric motorbike threw bricks, shattering the glass of a vending machine located on the sidewalk of Dang Thai Mai Secondary School, Le Hoan Street, Hung Phuc Ward (Vinh City). They then left, returning at around 2 AM to smash the glass again and steal the items displayed inside the machine.

Since 2018, the company has installed and operated 39 vending machines in Vinh City to sell beverages. However, from the end of 2020 to the present, the company's vending machines have been frequently vandalized, with the intensity and frequency of the damage increasing, reaching 33 incidents to date (some machines have been vandalized repeatedly).

Representative of VVM Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company

They need to intervene and take strict action.

Reportedly, most incidents were reported to the local authorities by the Nghe An branch of VVM Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company; however, similar incidents continued to occur after a short time.

Captain Nguyen Van Quan, Deputy Commander of the Mobile Police Team under the Provincial Police Department, who directly detected and handled the group of individuals vandalizing vending machines on the streets to steal property in early 2021, stated: At that time, the city of Vinh frequently experienced incidents of individuals vandalizing vending machines on the streets to steal property, causing public concern and anxiety. In response, the leadership of the Mobile Police Department deployed forces to investigate and discovered a group of two young men exhibiting suspicious behavior.

Numerous vending machines in Vinh City have been vandalized. Photo: PV

After a long period of persistent surveillance, at approximately 2:00 AM on January 13, 2021, at address No. 15, Alley 8, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Hung Binh Ward, Vinh City, the Mobile Police Company's patrol team discovered and arrested two individuals, Bui Van Sy (born in 2002), residing in Team 5, Thanh Mai Commune, Thanh Chuong District, and Phan Van Phi (born in 2005), residing in Tan Thang Hamlet, Dong Hop Commune, Quy Hop District, who were studying a vocational course in Vinh City, for theft. They confiscated two black backpacks containing a metal hammer and several bottles of soft drinks, snacks, etc.

According to the statements of the two suspects, the stolen goods were the items they had just taken from a vending machine located in Vinh City. The suspects typically took advantage of deserted areas and nighttime hours, identifying unattended vending machines and stealing the contents for their own use.

According to Major Le Van Son, Head of Truong Thi Ward Police, in February 2020, the ward police force also coordinated to handle an individual who vandalized a vending machine on Truong Thi Street, next to the Festival Palace. The individual was Nguyen Duc Dung (born in 1985), residing in Nghi Xuan District, Ha Tinh Province. However, this individual had suffered from mental illness for about 4 years, leading to an inability to control his behavior, frequently wandering around and engaging in acts of vandalism and property destruction.

Major Le Van Son added that the Truong Thi Ward Police are currently coordinating to verify and clarify the identity of the person who vandalized the vending machine located on the sidewalk of Truong Thi Secondary School, on Dinh Bat Tuy Street, on March 17, 2022. The scene suggests the perpetrator may have thrown stones from a distance.

Two individuals who vandalized and stole property from a vending machine were apprehended by riot police. (Photo: PV)

According to authorities, the perpetrators of vandalism and theft from vending machines are mostly teenagers. Many of them come from mountainous districts to attend high school or vocational schools in Vinh City. Their activities typically occur between 1 and 2 AM, and while vandalizing, they often wear sun-protective clothing and face masks to avoid detection.

An investigator from the Vinh City Police Department stated: "From the moment vandalism and theft of property from vending machines appeared in the area, the Vinh City Police Department focused on investigating and handling the cases. One case occurred at the end of 2020, resulting in criminal prosecution, while most were handled administratively due to the perpetrators being minors. Currently, similar incidents are continuing, so the Criminal Investigation Team of the Vinh City Police Department is continuing its investigation to quickly find the perpetrators."

Thus, it can be seen that this is a recurring incident, with an increasing trend (three incidents have occurred since the beginning of March 2022), affecting not only the security and order in the area but also directly impacting the business operations of enterprises, and the needs of residents and tourists. It is suggested that, along with businesses paying more attention to monitoring and security, the involvement of functional forces is also crucial to strengthen patrols, detect and promptly handle those who vandalize and steal from vending machines, ensuring security and order in the area.