Gold shops are installing increased security and metal barriers (deer fences) in front of their premises, due to the increase in looting and robberies in the town of Hpakant.

In December, two robberies occurred in Hpakant, and the Military Council authorities have not yet been able to arrest and prosecute the culprits. Most gold shops have installed metal barriers in a situation where security is not reliable.

On December 20th, the Sin Kye gold shop in Nghet Pyaw Taw ward was robbed and nearly 150 rings and other goldwares were looted. In another case the JM phone shop in Lonkin (Lone Khin) village was also robbed on December 2nd, and items worth more than 150-lakh kyats were taken.

A local commented, “ Until now, the culprits have not been caught. That’s why the gold shops install metal barriers according to their own plan. It’s like every gold shop in Hpakant is doing that,”  he said.

Another security measure adopted is a reduction in the shops opening hours. Before gold shops used to open at 7:00 am but now they open around 9:00 or 10:00 am.