Thank you Vietnam!!! Alibaba

0POSTS

10 years ago

Oh so I've been hearing stories and reading articles regarding Vietnamese thieves and robbers but never expected to fall a victim myself. So yesterday, I parked my bike at vincom center (on the walk way) ,went to a coffee shop a few meters away ,only to return and couldn't find my bike. I Related the issue to a few Vietnamese friends and they told me not to bother telling the police as they'll do nothing about it and the bike can never be retrieved.聽 I just had to let it go, I'm not the first victim but this is too bad. The Vietnamese people are only scaring foreigners and expats away... How the hell are they gonna develop if they succeed? Anyways everyone be careful and make sure to always park your bikes in appropriate places. Sad incidence and an eye opener.

1 member reacted to this post

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Willtran86 New member

7POSTS

10 years ago

Sorry to hear dude,

Weird seeing this post straight after watching clips of this very topic on YouTube.
I only ever park my bike where there are security/valet services. And if I am popping into a shop I try to make 10sec returns to keep an eye on it.

Which area did your bike go missing btw?

Will

gobot ViP

1430POSTS

10 years ago

If you parked on the walkway of the property of Vincom center, that sounds like parking in the wrong place, not the garage.聽 Maybe Vincom security was just cleaning up the place. Did you ask Vincom security?

Fred Indonesia Expert

30549POSTS

10 years ago

christean wrote:
I parked my bike at vincom center (on the walk way)

There are two reasons I'd speak to the centre's security.
1 - There is proper bike parking there, so they may have removed it if you parked it carelessly.
2 - If it was stolen, there could well be security cameras that picked up the thieves.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

Yes I did ask them but I do admit it's my fault. All they did was to call the police and I asked them if the police would retrieve the bike for me, they say no... If it's gone,it's gone! There's nothing I can do, it's part of life's lessons. I parked at the Le thahn Thon ( if I'm correct with the spelling) street. It is painful but life goes on ,I won't underrate Vietnamese thieves next time.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

Yes I did and they said they'd call the police. I ask them if the police would recover the stolen bike, they said if it's stolen then it's gone.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

I parked on the walkway on Le Thahn ton street. Could it possibly be the vincom center security?

gobot ViP

1430POSTS

10 years ago

Bummer. Thanks for reporting it here. Maybe help somebody in the future.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

My bike is a honda Nouvo with registration number (52-Z9/0349)....

Pal444 Active member

78POSTS

10 years ago

#10

Sorry about your ride Christean.

No comment, just a question..curiosity to understand.

I was researching the scooter/motorcycle thing since I'm going to rent and then eventually buy once I;m settled.

Two questions for the thread.

1) If you are legally renting a moto and it gets stolen then who is resposible?聽 I would assume that I as a renter through a rental shop that I'm not responsible to pay for the moto... does that seem reasonable to make that assumption?

2) I read that one [don't remember which one] motorcycle that's been sold for years has such poor design that 1 in every 7 keys will work on any one of that model so theives easy accumulate a set of keys and it only takes ....7 tries and they drive off on the moto and your ride is gone fast as fake papers are easy to produce etc yaddy yaddi.聽 So my question is... are motos physically picked up and stolen OR do the theives have keys and start'em up and drive off?聽聽Is there a standard technique that is being used?

gobot ViP

1430POSTS

10 years ago

#11

Oh, "legally renting", that's funny, it is not so legal because you don't have a Vietnamese driver's license. But people do it anyway...

Who pays? This is how I understand it. I rented in HCMC at Chi's in Ph岷 Ng农 L茫o three times, once for a few days at around US$4 per day, then a couple months at 1.200.000 VND per month (~$50), for an automatic Yamaha Nouvo which is practically all they have and they have dozens. You relinquish your passport. You are going to need to return the motorbike to get that back or pay them. I can't imagine that business loss insurance is even a concept here. Then I found out that I could instead leave a $250 cash deposit and keep my passport. So, that is the value range of their 10+ year old Nouvos. And if you check prices for used ones on chotot.vn or muaban.net, that is what they are worth. To summarize, if you want to rent, you risk paying a $ few hundred for the privilege if it is stolen, or you wreck it.聽

How do they get stolen? It actually isn't that easy if you park them in pay lots at malls or markets, or in front of stores/cafes/restos where there is a parking guard. The most common job here, like the Philippines, must be parking guards. Every shop has one or more. You leave the motorbike in neutral so they can roll it around, and take your key. They give you a ticket or token, staple a ticket stub on your bike or write the ticket number all over your seat or speedometer with chalk. When you come out, give them the receipt and sometimes it is free, else between 2000 and 5000 VND. I have been warned to never lose that receipt.

What you don't want to do is just park it without somebody watching it. Especially don't just park it in neutral. (I assume that is what happened to the OP, and some kid or theft gang pushed it down the street.) There is a handlebar lock by turning the key to the left and twisting. Then it can't be rolled away without the key, so a little more secure if you are somewhere that you just _have_ to park to take a picture or pee.

1 member reacted to this post

Trinhthituyettrinh Member

1POSTS

10 years ago

#12

Hello. I'm Vietnamese. To tell u the truth, I'm also scare a lot about thieves and robbers in VN. But not everybody also like u think. Sociaty always have good and bad people. So the things is u must more careful when u go out and that's all. I'm extremely sad when not only u but also foreign tourists hate VN and Vietnamese like this:(. Sorry to hear that...

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#13

Such a sweetie! Well it's happened already and I've learned my lesson. The thing is,I've lived in more dangerous places than Vietnam but I never expected it to be this bad here. I've met a lot of expats and wow! almost no one has spoken anything positive about VN or it's people. Almost 90% have had experiences with these miscreants or a story to tell. Anyways I just hope everyone learns from this and be more cautious wherever and whenever. Cam on!

Trinhthituyettrinh wrote:
Hello. I'm Vietnamese. To tell u the truth, I'm also scare a lot about thieves and robbers in VN. But not everybody also like u think. Sociaty always have good and bad people. So the things is u must more careful when u go out and that's all. I'm extremely sad when not only u but also foreign tourists hate VN and Vietnamese like this:(. Sorry to hear that...

Teacher Mark Serial expat

978POSTS

10 years ago

#14

What we need here is an interactive map that details the high theft areas...like they do in South Africa.

Ten tips from Arrive Alive on how to protect yourself from a carjacking when at an intersection

1. If approached by a stranger while in your vehicle, drive off if possible or use your hooter to attract attention.聽 Hooter?聽 LOL!聽聽

2. Lock doors, close windows and do not have bags or briefcases visible in the vehicle. Use the boot for this. Cell phones should also not be visible.

3. There are times and days that these items are visible in the vehicle. Try and open the window they might 鈥渟mash & grab鈥� about 3 cm, so the window can absorb the sudden impact. If you鈥檝e left your stopping distance you may be able to escape.

4. When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green.

5. Do not take anything from people standing at traffic lights or places where they gather (job seekers on gathering points). Perpetrators are usually standing among these people.

6. Make sure you are not followed. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy public area.

7. Always have your identity document and driver鈥檚 license in your possession as well as a pen and notebook to take necessary notes.

8. If you encounter obstacles in the road, eg rocks, tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Reverse and drive away in the opposite direction.

9. Do not stop to eat or rest on deserted roads.

10. Do not leave your vehicle unattended at a filling station.

Actually, I found a map that has all of the high theft areas marked in red.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#15

What has this got to do with bike theft in Vietnam?

Teacher Mark wrote:
What we need here is an interactive map that details the high theft areas...like they do in South Africa.

Ten tips from Arrive Alive on how to protect yourself from a carjacking when at an intersection

1. If approached by a stranger while in your vehicle, drive off if possible or use your hooter to attract attention.聽 Hooter?聽 LOL!聽聽

2. Lock doors, close windows and do not have bags or briefcases visible in the vehicle. Use the boot for this. Cell phones should also not be visible.

3. There are times and days that these items are visible in the vehicle. Try and open the window they might 鈥渟mash & grab鈥� about 3 cm, so the window can absorb the sudden impact. If you鈥檝e left your stopping distance you may be able to escape.

4. When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green.

5. Do not take anything from people standing at traffic lights or places where they gather (job seekers on gathering points). Perpetrators are usually standing among these people.

6. Make sure you are not followed. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy public area.

7. Always have your identity document and driver鈥檚 license in your possession as well as a pen and notebook to take necessary notes.

8. If you encounter obstacles in the road, eg rocks, tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Reverse and drive away in the opposite direction.

9. Do not stop to eat or rest on deserted roads.

10. Do not leave your vehicle unattended at a filling station.

Actually, I found a map that has all of the high theft areas marked in red.

[img align=c]http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/901501/179089805/stock-vector-red-vietnam-vector-map-silhouette-isolated-on-black-background-179089805.jpg[/url]

Fred Indonesia Expert

30549POSTS

10 years ago

#16

christean wrote:
What has this got to do with bike theft in Vietnam?

He's suggesting the advice is applicable in Vietnam.
It makes a lot of sense in many countries, so he's probably right.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#17

Lol okay

jimbream Serial expat

693POSTS

10 years ago

#18

Fred wrote:
christean wrote:
What has this got to do with bike theft in Vietnam?

He's suggesting the advice is applicable in Vietnam.
It makes a lot of sense in many countries, so he's probably right.

TeacherMark is definitely right,聽 Indonesian Fred...

The OP did not own the bike and did not have a personal financial investment in the bike.(legally renting.聽 Which is by definition illegal in Vietnam, Fred.And if legal,any loss or damage is the responsibility of the renter as per signed contract)

Sadly now, the unfortunate Vietnam owner must suffer the financial loss of this motorbike,
also the fact that if/when said bike is involved in an accident or robbery and then subsequently left at the scene,
the police will first look at the plate,and if fake,go to the engine number and the chassis number for authentication.
The details are on every vehicle blue card in Vietnam.
I don't know about you Indonesia Fred,but here in Vietnam everything is double documented.

Yamaha Nouvo bikes are not stripped and sold for parts.They get a fake plate put on and used for crimes.

I feel sorry for the Vietnamese owner of the Nouvo that was carelessly left on the the street without security.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#19

JIMBREAM!! You're a fool, I would challenge you to a battle of wits but I see you're unarmed. How do you know I rented the bike or I didn't buy it. I can't afford to buy a bike???? Funny how you know nothing about me or the bike and you're quick to judge that I have no financial investment in it lol funny guy. Shoooo!

jimbream wrote:
Fred wrote:
christean wrote:
What has this got to do with bike theft in Vietnam?

He's suggesting the advice is applicable in Vietnam.
It makes a lot of sense in many countries, so he's probably right.

TeacherMark is definitely right,聽 Indonesian Fred...

The OP did not own the bike and did not have a personal financial investment in the bike.(legally renting.聽 Which is by definition illegal in Vietnam, Fred.And if legal,any loss or damage is the responsibility of the renter as per signed contract)

Sadly now, the unfortunate Vietnam owner must suffer the financial loss of this motorbike,
also the fact that if/when said bike is involved in an accident or robbery and then subsequently left at the scene,
the police will first look at the plate,and if fake,go to the engine number and the chassis number for authentication.
The details are on every vehicle blue card in Vietnam.
I don't know about you Indonesia Fred,but here in Vietnam everything is double documented.

Yamaha Nouvo bikes are not stripped and sold for parts.They get a fake plate put on and used for crimes.

I feel sorry for the Vietnamese owner of the Nouvo that was carelessly left on the the street without security.

Asian jimmy Active member

51POSTS

10 years ago

#20

Hello. Im viet American i speak the lingo and have asked locals about this subject before. So sometimes you can get your bike back by giving the cops a "cash incentive" to work harder on your behalf. Most stolen bikes go to the big cities ho chi minh or hanoi and turn into "spare parts" , except expensive ones.聽 The crime rate is going to be up right now because they just released many criminals from prison due to a holiday, no really a real holiday where prisoners are released.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#21

Thanks a bunch for the tip. I appreciate

Asian jimmy wrote:
Hello. Im viet American i speak the lingo and have asked locals about this subject before. So sometimes you can get your bike back by giving the cops a "cash incentive" to work harder on your behalf. Most stolen bikes go to the big cities ho chi minh or hanoi and turn into "spare parts" , except expensive ones.聽 The crime rate is going to be up right now because they just released many criminals from prison due to a holiday, no really a real holiday where prisoners are released.

Asian jimmy Active member

51POSTS

10 years ago

#22

No problem christean. Just remember to watch your back, you are in a 3rd world country and ho chi minh can be a dangerous place depending on what ward you are in.

-JohnD- Serial expat

257POSTS

10 years ago

#23

gobot wrote:
Oh, "legally renting", that's funny, it is not so legal because you don't have a Vietnamese driver's license. But people do it anyway...

As of 01/01/2015, VN recognizes the International Driver's License. If you have an IDL and a valid license from your home country for the vehicle you're piloting, you are legal to drive/ride in VN.

For example, if you have an IDL and a motorcycle endorsement, you can legally ride here. If you only have a license to drive a car at home, that is all the IDL is good for.

robvan Contributor

127POSTS

10 years ago

#24

Is it true what you say about IDLs? The way I understand it, those with a Viet licence can get an IDL since the beginning of this year, but foreign IDLs may still be a problem here. I tried to get my Aussie car and bike IDL transferred into a Viet licence in March this year and was told "not yet". Maybe another bureaucrat would have said something else -- this is Vietnam after all, where the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, regardless of "coffee money".

Adhome01 Serial expat

426POSTS

10 years ago

#25

If you leave something of value unattended expect someone will take it. That's just the way it is here. Expats are the victims you hear about but locals are more often the victims. At least the OP has a positive attitude about it.

hoangvanpham Member

24POSTS

10 years ago

#26

I know exactly what do you feel now.
2 years ago when I still lived in London, in 1 week, 2 times we have been robbered. The first time: 2 guy fought my nephew 19 years old and took his phone and some cash.
The second time, the robbers break our home's door key, took everything: laptop, TV, comestic, clothing, ipad...
The police could never find them out.
I mean: the bad thing could be happen to everyone, in everywhere.
But to be hornest, my country 铆s gonna be more dangerous now, not only for foreigners, for everyone.
I am so scare, really when I hear everyday has some one be thieved or robbered.
People getting crazy now, they don't聽 mind to make someone get hurt.
Just look after yourself and your stuffs.
Don't hate聽 my country because still have many nice people ready to do nice thing to you, if we can. Someone like me LOL.
Regards

1 member reacted to this post

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#27

You're right. All my Vietnamese friends I told had been robbed too ,of either their bikes or phones so nothing new. Made the mistake, gotten over it. Have a nice weekend

Adhome01 wrote:
If you leave something of value unattended expect someone will take it. That's just the way it is here. Expats are the victims you hear about but locals are more often the victims. At least the OP has a positive attitude about it.

hs0zfe Serial expat

234POSTS

10 years ago

#28

Thanks for the warning!

FYI, why do you think restaurant hire a guard? Was the bike on a chain?

Jayceebee31 Active member

27POSTS

10 years ago

#29

Mistakes happen, robbers are every where....

But when it happens to you....not nice..

Sorry for your misfortune....but I am SURE everybody appreciates it,even for reinforcement.

THANKYOU kindly

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#30

No bike chain, I gave them a free lunch... That's why I'm not so mad cos I can't be mad with myself. I accepted my mistake and moved on, just wouldn't be nice for any other person to fall into the same situation. Could be a pain in the b**t 馃槃

hs0zfe wrote:
Thanks for the warning!

FYI, why do you think restaurant hire a guard? Was the bike on a chain?

Asian jimmy Active member

51POSTS

10 years ago

#31

Hey so i said earlier to watch yourself and stuff like this would be why.
So acouple of days ago in ho chi minh keep in mind today is Tuesday. There was a minor moped accident where their was only scratches, between 2 pretty girls and a guy ( non threatening guy from what I hear ) in district 3. So a argument happened and one of the pretty girls pulls out a knife and stabs the guy who later died. Totally unexpected.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#32

Lack of civilization , Barbarism and savagery are a big problem is this country. I read on an article an 80 year old grandma stole a bike and next day her son was riding it. LMAO !聽聽May his soul RIP

Asian jimmy wrote:
Hey so i said earlier to watch yourself and stuff like this would be why.
So acouple of days ago in ho chi minh keep in mind today is Tuesday. There was a minor moped accident where their was only scratches, between 2 pretty girls and a guy ( non threatening guy from what I hear ) in district 3. So a argument happened and one of the pretty girls pulls out a knife and stabs the guy who later died. Totally unexpected.

parkcity Member

2POSTS

10 years ago

#33

I am a Vietnamese, I'm sorry.

1 member reacted to this post

drutter Serial expat

332POSTS

10 years ago

#34

"Lack of civilization, Barbarism and savagery are a big problem is this country. I read an article an 80-year-old grandma stole a bike and next day her son was riding it. LMAO !聽聽May his soul RIP"

Wow, dude! You're judging a whole country by the actions of a few people. What's up with the attitude man?

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#35

Even their fellow people make negative remarks and comments about them. I have Vietnamese friends, the educated and exposed ones. I've not met a westerner/foreigner聽 here who's said anything positive about them. All have bad experiences so just being plain.

drutter wrote:
Wow! Judging a whole country by the actions of a few people???

drutter Serial expat

332POSTS

10 years ago

#36

Well, I hope I'm not wrong to think that there must be some nice Vietnamese people in Vietnam. I guess I'll find out if I'm wrong, or not when I arrive in January ...聽 but I'll be sure to keep an eye on my moped and other valuables.
聽 I'm sorry to hear about yours, but thanks for sharing so that others can be aware.

christean Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#37

You're welcome, you'll meet good people here too and i pray your stay in Vietnam is pleasant. Wish you all the best.

drutter wrote:
Well, I hope I'm not wrong to think that there must be some nice Vietnamese people in Vietnam. I guess I'll find out if I'm wrong, or not when I arrive in January ...聽 but I'll be sure to keep an eye on my moped and other valuables.
聽 I'm sorry to hear about yours, but thanks for sharing so that others can be aware.