On 16/5, Son, 32 years old, was arrested by the Can Tho City Police Criminal Investigation Department and Hai Phong City Police to investigate his alleged property theft.

Tran Van Son during the break-in at the villa in Soc Trang ward. Photo: Security camera

Suspect brings tools from Hai Phong to Mekong Delta to target villas

According to initial investigation, Son, a resident of Hoa Binh ward, Hai Phong City, traveled to southern provinces and cities to find wealthy homes to break into and steal, driven by a need for money.

On 28/4, Son flew from Hai Phong to TP HCM, purchased lock-picking tools, and then took a bus from Mien Tay Bus Station towards Ca Mau. Upon reaching a rest stop at Tan Hue Vien Company in An Ninh commune, Can Tho City, he exited the bus and hired a motorbike taxi (xe om) to scout residential areas for a target.

Arriving at Minh Chau Residential Area in Soc Trang ward, Can Tho City, he spotted a large villa with an open gate and only an elderly housekeeper inside. Son climbed the fence, then scaled onto a gazebo roof within the premises to hide.

After the housekeeper left, he put on a mask, a cap, and gloves, then snuck into the house. He took various gold jewelry items, diamond ornaments, and 20 million VND in cash.

Tran Van Son reenacts the property theft at the villa. Photo: Can Tho Police

Detectives travel over 2,000 km to apprehend suspect

After committing the crime, Son took a bus to TP HCM. Along the way, he repeatedly disembarked and walked to evade tracking. He stopped at motels to change clothes and alter his appearance before continuing by bus to Da Lat, and then to Nha Trang.

From Nha Trang, Son flew to Ha Noi to find a buyer for the stolen property, then returned to Hai Phong to spend the money.

On 30/4, the villa owners returned from their trip, discovered numerous missing valuables, and reported the theft to the police.

The Can Tho City Police Criminal Investigation Department then examined the crime scene and pursued the suspect. Security camera footage suggested the perpetrator was experienced and had disguised himself thoroughly to avoid detection.

Based on the collected evidence, police identified Son as the suspect, who had fled to Hai Phong after the crime.

Major General Huynh Viet Hoa, Director of Can Tho City Police, and Colonel Bui Duc An, Deputy Director of Can Tho City Police, directed criminal forces to focus on apprehending Son. A team of detectives subsequently traveled over 2,000 km to the northern region to track him down.

An Binh