Thefts rise across Arakan Army-held areas

By Admin 14 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 August 2026, Kyauktaw

Thefts have increased in recent days across several townships controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State, according to local residents and victims.

Multiple thefts involving cash, gold, motorcycles and household appliances have been reported in Kyauktaw and Buthidaung townships this month.

In Myothit Ward of Kyauktaw Town, five ticals of gold and K3 million in cash were stolen from a home on August 4, according to homeowner Ma Myo Myo Aye.

"I realized it only when I woke up at 5:30 in the morning. The fence gate was open. When I asked my aunt if she had forgotten to lock the house door the previous night, she immediately got up and went upstairs to check. The upper floor was covered in muddy footprints. My aunt cried and said everything was gone. She said they even took away the storage box. I broke down crying immediately. Most of our belongings were stored upstairs, while almost nothing was kept downstairs," Ma Myo Myo Aye said.

She added that although she reported the theft to the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS), there has been no significant progress to date.

Motorcycle thefts and residential burglaries were also reported in Ywama Ward of Kyauktaw Town last July, according to local residents.

Daw Htay Htay Than, whose motorcycle was stolen, said, "I parked it at a home in front of Nyein Store. It disappeared while I was briefly looking away. By the time I turned around, it was gone. Witnesses nearby said they saw a man pushing a motorcycle away. The police station hasn't contacted me, but I went to ask whether there were any updates. Security in the town is currently lacking."

Thefts are also increasing in Buthidaung Town, raising concerns among residents who say they must remain constantly vigilant about security.

Residents noted that numerous homes, buildings and market stalls were burned or destroyed during the fighting, leaving many structures incomplete and insecure.

As a result, some residents now keep knives, spears and flashlights at home at night to protect themselves from thieves.

"Thefts have been happening constantly in recent days, almost every day. Because Buthidaung suffered fire damage, homes are not very secure, so residents are deeply worried. I heard people saying suspects were recently detained by authorities, though I cannot confirm the exact details," a Buthidaung resident said.

With the risk of theft increasing, residents are calling for stronger urban security measures, including night patrols.

The incidents are occurring amid severe economic hardship, rising commodity prices and a lack of employment opportunities for local residents affected by the armed conflict in Arakan State.