Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked provinces and cities nationwide to launch crackdowns against criminals to ensure a safe and happy Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday for all.

Phuc, who is also head of the Government’s steering board on crime prevention and control, chaired a January 25 video conference reviewing a national human trafficking and drug-related crime prevention and control programme over the 2011–2015 period.

The Tet holiday is considered an appropriate time for crime syndicates to operate, causing serious economic losses and social disorder.

He acknowledged violence has been escalating, causing great public concern. He partially attributed the trend to the poor management by relevant agencies and authorities, exacerbated by the ineffective cooperation of local residents.
 
The Deputy PM called for joint crime-fighting efforts from the entire political system and people of all social strata, saying specific tasks and responsibilities should be allocated to each agency, locality, and official.

Minister of Public Security Gen. Tran Dai Quang said security forces have recorded significant achievements in ensuring social order and safety, supporting socio-economic development and expansion of foreign relations.

Police forces have cooperated with relevant agencies to mobilise resources and encourage the people’s participation in combating crimes, especially those relating to corruption, finance, banking, and the environment.

Participants at the conference agreed on strictly adhering to the Prime Minister’s national target programmes on drug and human trafficking prevention and control until 2015, with a focus on eliminating the trafficking in women and children.

 Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee Deputy Chairman Vu Hong Khanh said many criminals have been caught and punished, including those involved in child abuse, illegal weapon use, and drug trafficking.

Colonel Nguyen Viet Loi,Deputy Director of Danang Municipal Department for Public Security, reported the city’s crime rates are trending downwards. He underlined a need to disseminate anti-crime information effectively and target emerging crimes of opportunity.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Quy Vuong noted the record of achievements in crime prevention and control during recent years.

Thanks to the timely detection of police forces, thousands of potential human trafficking victims have been successfully rescued, he added.

VNA