'Dog thieves' repeatedly hack residents when discovered

A group of four young men, caught stealing dogs and cats at night, hacked down residents who pursued them to escape.

The Hung Yen Provincial Police Investigation Agency announced on 2/10 that four men — Dam Van Kha, 35; Nguyen Ba Duc, 36; Nguyen Ba Binh, 36; and Do Dinh Dung, 37, all from A Sao commune, Hung Yen province — have been indicted and temporarily detained. They face charges of robbery under clause 2, Article 168 of the Penal Code.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on 19/9, when the four suspects traveled on two motorbikes. They were equipped with nets, sacks, flashlights, knives, and metal pipes featuring sharp blades, indicating their intent to steal.

While in Tien Lu commune's dike area, the group managed to steal two dogs. However, their actions were spotted by residents Tran Van Vy, 36, and Tran Van Duy, 37. Instead of fleeing, the suspects aggressively confronted the residents. Do Dinh Dung reportedly attacked Duy with a knife, inflicting several wounds to his neck, arms, and waist.

During their escape through Tho Khe village, Ngu Thien commune, the group stole another dog, this time from Pham Van Phong, 35. When Phong heard the disturbance and attempted to intervene, Dung again used a knife, slashing Phong's hand. The thieves then fled the area, carrying their stolen animals.

The investigation agency concluded that the suspects' actions — using dangerous weapons to assault residents in order to steal property — clearly constitute the crime of robbery.