Foreign tourists in Hoi An, central Vietnam, March 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh
A New Zealand tourist’s bike ride through Vietnam’s scenic Hoi An was abruptly cut short when a thief snatched her purse, with a 23-year-old suspect arrested.
Police identified the suspect as Le Dai Rin, who was detained on May 22, three days after the incident.
According to local authorities, Rin was around Hoi An on his motorbike, actively scouting for potential theft targets.
Spotting the tourist, 58, cycling leisurely along Lac Long Quan Street, Rin quickly snatched her purse from the bicycle’s basket.
The stolen purse contained a mobile phone, around VND3 million ($128) in cash, and various personal documents and belongings.
Local police swiftly initiated an investigation, successfully recovering the tourist’s stolen items upon Rin’s arrest.
Hoi An, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts millions of tourists annually due to its picturesque streets, historic architecture and vibrant cultural experiences.
