Residents chip in to install CCTV systems in Vietnam metropolis A police officer in Ward 12 of Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, observes images transmitted to his office from security cameras installed in the ward's residential areas. Tuoi Tre Ho Chi Minh City police have installed camera systems in residential areas in many wards in the city to ensure better security control, with contributions from local residents. Such cameras have been used in Ward 12 of Go Vap District since August 2013 and Ward 13 of District 3 since the third quarter of last year. All the machines are connected to a central monitoring system at each ward’s police office. Lieutenant Colonel Le Thanh Hung, head of the Ward 12 police, said that security and social order has improved remarkably since security cameras were put into operation. Twenty-five residential areas in the ward have been equipped with 90 security cameras, Hung said. To date, 38 walkie-talkies have also been supplied to 16 residential blocks in the ward, the local police reported. The total cost was VND350 million (US$16,600), of which VND300 million was contributed by residents, the police said. One theft and a clash between two underworld gangs were intercepted thanks to the system, Hung said. Under an instruction by the Go Vap District police, this new security control model will be used in the 15 remaining wards of the district in the future, said Colonel Huynh Tri Thanh, head of the district police.  Similarly, police in Ward 13 of District 3 has also installed security cameras in a number of alleys. These cameras have helped the police identify robbers and snatchers and then arrested them, said Captain Tran Huu Thuc, deputy head of the ward police. Colonel Ho Van Hiep, head of the District 3 police, said that city police officials have lauded the installation of security cameras in the ward. They have requested the district police submit a report on the efficiency of this security control to form the basis for an extended adoption, Colonel Hiep said. The District 3 People’s Committee has asked the authorities of other wards to consider adopting the model in the future, first and foremost on traffic routes, the official added. Tuoitrenews