Police break up gang of thieves: 319 cell phones seized from Tam Chuc

Police break up gang of thieves: 319 cell phones seized from Tam Chuc

On May 24, 2025, Ha Nam Provincial Police announced the arrest of a gang of thieves who committed numerous thefts in the Tam Chuc tourist area between May 17 and 18, 2025. These arrests took place not only at the Tam Chuc Pagoda, considered the largest temple complex in the world, but also in neighboring provinces. According to police reports, a total of seven people were arrested, all from different cities in Vietnam.

The band members include Dinh Quoc Huy from the Phu Van community in Ha Nam and Nguyen Thi Huong and Tran Thi Kim Oanh from Nam Dinh. Nguyen Thi Be and San Thieu Xuan from Hanoi, Nguyen Van Hung from Thai Nguyen and Nguyen Duy Phuong from Tuyen Quang, born in 2002, are also among those arrested. These individuals are suspected of committing thefts near festivals and football matches, characterizing the gang's actions as fear-inducing and professional.

Thefts and discoveries

During the arrests, police confiscated an impressive 319 mobile phones, two cars, cash and other valuable items worth a total of billions of VND. Many of the thefts were reported during worship of Buddha relics at Tam Chuc Pagoda. This pagoda, located in Kim Bang City in Ha Nam Province, is surrounded by the scenic mountain landscape of That Tinh and Luc Ngan Lake. It attracts hundreds of tourists every day who appreciate the architectural beauty and cultural significance of the complex.

Ha Nam police have also set up a hotline to receive reports of missing items and help the gang's victims. This shows the authorities' commitment to ensuring safety in this important tourist area.

Cultural significance of Tam Chuc Pagoda

Tam Chuc Pagoda is not only a major religious center but also an important part of a spiritual tourist complex connecting Hanoi, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh and Ninh Binh. The complex was built during the Dinh Dynasty around 1,000 years ago and is closely linked to local legends. Its deep religious and cultural values ​​make it a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.

The best time to visit the pagoda is in spring, especially after Tet Festival, and in autumn when the weather is pleasant. In summer, the heat and sudden rain can make exploring the area difficult; Nevertheless, even then there is a constant influx of tourists.

Visitors to Tam Chuc Pagoda can arrive from Hanoi via three main routes or take a bus ride to Phu Ly and then take a taxi or motorbike taxi. Covering a total area of ​​4,000 hectares, the temple complex features many impressive structures, including the Tam Quan Gate, the Garden of Pillars with 32 giant pillars, as well as other fascinating sites such as the Tam Chuc Community House and the Quan Am Temples. The region's picturesque scenery ensures that the pagoda is not only a place of faith but also a hotspot for photographers and nature lovers.

However, given current developments, the activities at Tam Chuc Pagoda are not only a journey into beauty and spirituality, but also an indication of the challenges posed by security in tourist areas.