AI camera helps police identify intruder in rented room

Masked intruder Pham Ngoc Huy identified by AI camera after midnight theft in Tan Hung ward, leading to arrest.

Ho Chi Minh City police have apprehended Pham Ngoc Huy, 23, for property theft, thanks to advanced AI camera technology that identified him despite his attempts to conceal his identity.

Huy's arrest on 25/12 was a joint effort between Tan Hung Ward Police and the Criminal Police Department (PC02) of Ho Chi Minh City Police.

Pham Ngoc Huy at the investigative agency. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

The investigation began two days prior, in the early morning, when the owner of a rented room on Street 51 in Tan Hung ward reported a break-in. The intruder had stolen two laptops, a wallet, and personal identification documents. Additionally, 14 million dong had been withdrawn from a bank account.

Tan Hung Ward Police, working with PC02, immediately extracted data from local camera systems. Footage revealed the suspect wearing a full face mask, making traditional identification difficult. However, AI technology was deployed to analyze and match biometric features. The system meticulously recorded the suspect's gait, physical characteristics, and clothing, effectively mapping his movements and accurately pinpointing his identity.

Utilizing this tracking data, police successfully located Huy at an internet cafe on To Ky Street, in what was formerly District 12. Huy, who had a prior conviction for property theft, subsequently admitted to the break-in and to using the victim's bank card to withdraw the money.