A surge in burglaries and vehicle thefts across several townships controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine (Arakan) State has left residents increasingly fearful for their safety, according to local victims and community members.
Multiple break-ins targeting cash, gold, motorcycles, and household electronics have been reported over the past month, particularly in Kyauktaw and Buthidaung townships.
In Kyauktaw’s Myothit Ward, thieves broke into a home on August 4, stealing five ticals of gold (approximately 80 grams) and 3 million MMK in cash.
"I realized what happened when I woke up at 5:30 a.m. and saw the fence gate open," said homeowner Ma Myo Myo Aye. "The upper floor was covered in muddy footprints, and our storage box was completely gone. Most of our valuables were kept upstairs. I reported the incident to the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS), but there has been no significant progress."
Similar residential burglaries and motorcycle thefts were reported in Kyauktaw’s Ywama Ward throughout July. Victims have criticized the lack of active policing and response from local law enforcement.
"My motorcycle disappeared from outside a local store in seconds," said Daw Htay Htay Than, a resident of Kyauktaw. "Bystanders saw a man pushing it away. Town security is currently severely lacking."
In Buthidaung, the security situation is further compounded by the effects of war damage. Months of active fighting destroyed market stalls and burned down hundreds of homes, leaving many structures partially ruined and vulnerable to break-ins. The breakdown of urban security has forced residents to carry out night watches, keeping knives, spears, and flashlights on hand to deter intruders.
"Thefts are happening almost daily now," a resident from Buthidaung said. "Because so many homes were damaged by fires, they aren't secure, leaving people deeply anxious. We need stronger urban security, including regular night patrols."
The crime spike comes amid severe economic hardship across Rakhine State, where ongoing conflict has led to soaring commodity prices, widespread unemployment, and a collapse of local livelihoods
