Motorbike Mugging in HCMC

Julian09 Active member

Member since 23 April 2010

Julian09Active member27 January 2014 05:54:52

Despite any stories, not to mention common sense, one of our friends was just robbed Saturday night/Sunday am after leaving O'Brien's Pub. He proceeded to ignore common safety advice and left the pub after having too many beers, and then showed a motorbike driver his iPhone with his apartment address on it. Several stops (to 'check' the address) later, our friend found himself without a phone or wallet in an unknown (to him) part of HCMC. He also cleverly attempted to grab the back of the bike at which point the driver hit the gas, resulting in our friend getting a case of road rash. The wallet was pickpocketed from a zippered pocket on the leg of his shorts. Smooth operator.
Other comments I've read describe an increase in more violent muggings, some involving beatings, rape and murder, so I guess our friend got off easy not experiencing any of these things. He was also fortunate that after he had walked for an hour or so, another guy on a scooter picked him up and took him back to his apartment.

didosports88 Member

Member since 07 November 2013

didosports88Member27 January 2014 14:29:22

What a pity, though.
it was a bad experience. Did your friend go to the police station near by to report this? They will help to look for your friend's stuff. I know it maybe won't work, but there is still hope.
Bless your friend in good condition, no bruise, no bleeding.

missmae Serial expat

Member since 22 November 2013

missmaeSerial expat28 January 2014 00:41:53

284

Ah poor guy!
He was really lucky since he could have been attacked by the driver's friends. There are several stories or rapes and murders.
Saigon is a SAFE city (compared to USA & London) but common sense is necessary.
If you walk down the road, showing off your phone and wallet, it attracts thieves and criminals. Like everyone highly recommends here to newbies and tourists DONT DISPLAY VALUABLE THINGS. If you keep to the Safety rules nothing happens to you. Dont forget your pockets are your new best friends and your friend should have called a Vinasun to get home

Guest45 Guest

Guest45Guest28 January 2014 03:26:47

Get drunk, get stupid, get hurt. Duh.

charmavietnam ViP

Member since 17 April 2013

charmavietnamViP28 January 2014 05:56:06

2841

People who want intoxication should just bring enough money for that. Don't take valuables with them if they want to enjoy that intoxication and sleep on street No complaint after doing such things! This is not a holy city to blame. Like any other major cities, HCMC also need 'extra curricular activities'! If you cannot protect yourself, don't go out after 6pm.

perry88 Serial expat

Member since 12 November 2010

perry88Serial expat28 January 2014 21:17:24

226

Sure would be great if there were different stories concerning motorbike muggings so people would be made aware of what to watch out for. If you wish to engage in petty bickering I would suggest you go to the petty bickering thread.

Parmyd Serial expat

Member since 02 August 2012

ParmydSerial expat28 January 2014 23:14:30

334

ChrisFox wrote:
Don't people have, you know, interests?

People have plenty of interests. They just don't have your interests. So get over it.
When it comes to these muggings just as many people that are sober get mugged. People have to be careful with flashing their belongings around whether drunk or sober.

danhask Active member

Member since 20 July 2013

danhaskActive member29 January 2014 02:57:20

I do think there was some useful information here. The differences in our lifestyles
are not the important point.

Armand ViP

Member since 23 February 2011

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ArmandViP29 January 2014 04:11:18

24785

Hi all,

The unnecessary off topic posts have been removed for info.

Thanks
Armand
Expat.com Team

Guest45 Guest

Guest45Guest29 January 2014 07:39:04

#10

As for the actual topic, I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who get inebriated in public. It's a disgraceful condition and it's not only asking for trouble but deserving of it. If you want to have a few drinks as a way to relax OK fine. I'll have coffee or fizzy water. But if you get drunk and go out in public you're asking for trouble and if you do it in a country and city where robbery it a real threat you're just nuts.

Parmyd Serial expat

Member since 02 August 2012

ParmydSerial expat29 January 2014 09:07:53

#11

334

ChrisFox wrote:
As for the actual topic, I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who get inebriated in public. It's a disgraceful condition and it's not only asking for trouble but deserving of it. If you want to have a few drinks as a way to relax OK fine. I'll have coffee or fizzy water. But if you get drunk and go out in public you're asking for trouble and if you do it in a country and city where robbery it a real threat you're just nuts.

Oh my! The world must be coming to an end. I almost agree with you. While I don't think anyone deserves to get robbed. I do think if you get too drunk in public you are painting a huge target on your back.