Two Russian tourists who were robbed in Hanoi on May 5 said that they were impressed by the warmth and helpfulness of local people and the quick response by local police who helped secure their possessions.
Two Russian tourists come to the police station in Hanoi to take their phones back on May 5
Speaking with Dantri/Dtinews at the Hoan Kiem District Police Department on the afternoon of May 5, Lutshenkho Zhanna and Kushnir Viktoriia said they were very happy to have their two mobile phones back.
"We thought we’d lost them forever," the two young women said. "We were very worried because there was a lot of important information and electronic papers in them. But we were surprised at the quick response by local police who helped get them back to us within just a few hours."
Kushnir Viktoriia added that while they were unlucky to have met with an unkind taxi driver, they had received lots of help and support from other local people and especially the police.
"We were walking on Hang Bong Street at around 3 am on Thursday to find a place to exchange some USD dollars for Vietnam Dong when a taxi driver came and offered help to find the exchange place," she recalled. "We got in the taxi and asked the driver to help us charge our mobile phones while going. After travelling a short distance, he stopped and showed us a monetary exchange point. And right after we walked out, he suddenly drove away with our mobile phones. We were frightened and screamed for help and some local people directed us to our hotel where some staff reported the case to the police."
Police in Hang Bong Ward then found and arrested the taxi driver at 11 am the same day and called the two tourists to come and reclaim their phones.
Despite the incident, the two tourists said they still felt Hanoi was a safe place with friendly and helpful people.
"But we will have to be careful when calling a taxi here," Zhanna said. "I really like the food in Hanoi, especially beef pho and rice. After Hanoi, we are going to Ha Long Bay."
