Quang Ninh Province Ha Long Bay Management Board have announced they intend to inspect and punish offenders stealing stalactites from caves. 

Pham Dinh Huynh, deputy head of Vinh Ha Long Bay Management Board, said the theft of stalactites had regularly occurred before 1995, but was stopped after the management board was formed. The management board also set up an inspection team and 80 inspection points. Local fishermen and businesses often report problems.
"Over 60 caves are being monitored closely. We've divided them into small areas to make the management work easier. We also co-operated with the police in previous checks," Huynh said.
When being asked about the damaged stalactites in Cap La and Trinh Nu caves, Huynh said he hadn't received any reports and said the damage was probably caused by tectonics.
According to Huynh, huge stalactites may fall to the floor or the ocean over time, as actually cutting off stalactites was hard. He then, later admitted that vandalism might have occurred at previously mentioned caves however they need experts to determine the cause and how long the stalactites had disappeared.
On November 17, a city inspection team will arrive to check the caves. "If vandalism is detected, the offenders will be punished," Huynh said.
Local say vandalism is common at Cap La Cave. The stalactite are sold to people who make miniature landscapes.
The vandalism has been going on for a few years. Less popular caves are often targeted so that they won't be discovered as quickly. Small stalactites are worth several millions dong while the prices for huge ones can go up to tens or hundreds of millions of VND.
Hoang Quang Hai, vice chairman of Ha Long City said he didn't know about the case and hadn't received any report. He promised to send an inspection team to investigate the claims.

Dtinews