Residents of Lashio in northern Shan State say robberies, thefts, and kidnappings for ransom have surged since the military regained control of the city, with authorities doing little to curb the crimes.

Locals report that armed robberies and thefts are now occurring regularly, even in areas near police and military offices. During the first week of May alone, a woman was robbed of her motorbike, while another incident took place near the District Police Station, according to residents.

“We rarely heard about kidnappings in Lashio before,” a local woman told SHAN. “Now people are afraid day and night. Wealthy families are especially concerned, as criminals monitor their movements and target homes or children for ransom.”

Residents in military-controlled wards, including Wards 1, 8, and 11, say motorbike thefts, electrical cable theft, and kidnappings have become increasingly common.

On May 2, four armed men reportedly entered a house near Lashio University and the District Police Commander’s Office. The home also operated as a cosmetics shop. Witnesses said the group attempted to abduct the homeowner.

The following day, on May 3, a woman riding a motorbike in Parami Lane, Ward 1, was reportedly stopped at knifepoint by four unidentified men. The attackers stole her motorbike along with more than 100 million kyats she was carrying, according to local accounts.

The victim later appealed on social media for information about the suspects.

Many residents say they no longer trust local security forces to protect civilians.

“People are now afraid even to walk on the streets,” the woman said. “Meanwhile, soldiers and police seem more focused on arresting young people returning from KTVs or nightclubs at night.”

She alleged that some detained youths are pressured to pay money for their release or threatened with military conscription if their families fail to comply. SHAN could not independently verify these claims.

On April 21, another violent robbery was reported on Byuhar Road in Ward 1, where two men allegedly lured a car owner to a meeting under the pretense of a vehicle sale before shooting him and stealing the car.

Residents say the repeated incidents—despite a heavy military presence in the city—have fueled fears of deteriorating public security and a weakening rule of law.

Lashio returned to military administration after the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) withdrew from the city on April 22, 2025, following pressure from China. Although MNDAA troops remain positioned outside the city, the military currently controls Lashio’s 12 urban wards.

Locals say the worsening security situation has left many residents afraid to travel at night or conduct business openly.