My Loc is the first commune in Long An to pilot the security camera system, with 80 cameras having been installed since September, 2015 in most of the streets and alleys in the locality.

The positions of the cameras as well as the installment process were carried out by local police and based on the surveys and opinions of citizens.

“These are infrared cameras that can record clear footage even under low light conditions,” said Le Thanh Tuan, a police officer in My Loc Commune.

Officers in My Loc Commune are seen monitoring the camera system on February 10, 2016.
Several signs informing the installment of these cameras have also been planted along the roads to act as a reminder to local people as well as criminals, according to Lieutenant Le Tan Du, Chief of My Loc Department of Police.

The cameras can store data of up to 15 days, which have been very useful for the solving of traffic accidents as well as several crimes and violations in the area, he added.

Illegal dumping, which used to be a common offense in the commune, has not been committed by anyone since the cameras were positioned, Lt. Du recounted one of the obvious changes.

Nguyen Tu Nga, a shopkeeper in a rural town of Can Giuoc District, Long An, said that her goods were often stolen during previous Lunar New Year holidays.

Ever since the installment of the security cameras, the number of similar incidents has significantly decreased, Nga continued.

“The camera system acts as additional eyes and ears for police officers to monitor the safety of traffic and of the area, as well as to provide necessary evidence of the violations,” said Lieutenant Pham Thanh Tam, Chief of Can Giuoc Police Department.

It also helps deter the crimes before they actually happen as violators would be afraid of getting caught by the cameras, according to Lt. Tam.

“Therefore, the number of accidents and theft cases has been drastically lowered during this Lunar New Year holiday,” he asserted.

Cameras have been positioned in several main streets in six communes of Can Giuoc District so far, providing around the clock surveillance in the areas.

Over 50% of the streets in Can Giuoc District is expected to be outfitted with the camera system in 2016, according to Nguyen Van Thiep, a local official.