Despite rising crime in Taunggyi City, the Shan State capital, the junta authorities are failing to take any action to reduce crime levels.

Since the beginning of 2025 there has been an increase robberies and thefts with pickpocketing becoming rampant in crowded areas of Taunggyi City, such as at the Myoma (Main) Market and the City Square, it is at higher levels than ever before, according to vendors in those areas.

At around 3:30 pm on 11 February a motorcyclist attempted to snatch a high school girl's phone and wallet while she was standing in front of the Thanlwin Kindergarten in Nyang Phyang Sakhan Ward, Taunggyi City.

A witness said to NMG: “The rider attempted to snatch the girl's phone and wallet while speeding on his motorcycle. His face was not clearly visible because he was wearing a helmet. The girl's mother screamed in panic and warned her, preventing the items from being taken. When people rushed to the scene, the biker quickly fled.”

Also, in the first week of February, two men attempted to rob a woman returning from work near the Kayinma Yay Htwet area on the outskirts of the city.

“She noticed the suspicious men quickly approaching her from behind and felt a sense of danger. So, she rode her motorcycle to a nearby grocery store and called home. Her family members came to pick her up. The robbers followed her closely, but fortunately, nothing was lost. It was a terrifying experience for her,” said a source close to her family.

The junta and the junta-controlled police force have made no effort to arrest or crack down on those responsible for these crimes. There have even been allegations made that some of the crimes are being committed by junta-aligned militia members and that the police are knowingly turning a blind eye to them.