VietNamNet Bridge – Criminal activity rose in 2013 driven by increases in cases relating to drugs, human trafficking and social evils, according to a recent report on public security.

The report, which was released by the National Committee on Criminal Control and Prevention, showed 59,000 cases occurred in 2013, increasing 5 per cent from the previous year.

The report also found aggravated crimes involving the use of weapons and explosive substances had risen in many localities, with gang members showing a preference for dangerous weapons.

Meanwhile, 18,000 drugs cases were filed, up 500 cases from the previous year and involving some 28,000 drug offenders.

The report also showed more than 12,000 white collar crimes with 450 cases involving corruption noted in 2013. Authorities also tracked more than 500 human trafficking cases affecting around 1,000 victims.

The figures were announced yesterday at an online discussion organised by the National Committee on Criminal Control and Prevention with the attendance of Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

While Deputy Prime Minister Phuc applauded the efforts of public security agencies, he also said the task of apprehending and preventing crimes had not been done effectively, citing the marked rise in criminal activity.

However, the Deputy Prime Minister also directed blame to a lack of professional skills among public security officers and lax management of weapons and explosive substance as key contributors to the rise in crime.

Phuc added that many local authorities had neglected to address the causes of criminal activity at the grassroots level.

In a bid to reinvigorate the nation's efforts to lower crime rates, the Deputy PM directed strong calls to Government ministries, sectors and provinces to implement the National Strategy on Criminal Control and Prevention for 2015-15 with an orientation to 2030.

He also said security forces needed to ramp up efforts to prevent the increase in crime and revise plans for preventing crimes.

In his final statements, Phuc also said proper process was vital to investigations and proceedings relating to serious crimes, cautioning the judicial sector against handing down incorrect verdicts.

Source: VNS