Local residents in Mandalay have reported incidents of looting at buildings damaged by the March 28 earthquake, with thieves posing as rescue workers to steal valuable items during evening and nighttime hours. The earthquake caused numerous buildings to collapse or become structurally unstable, creating opportunities for criminals to target abandoned properties. These looters have been entering homes and buildings under the guise of rescue operations, stealing air conditioners, refrigerators, household furniture, and other valuable items from properties whose owners have evacuated due to safety concerns.
A particularly notable incident occurred on April 4 in the evening near the Aung Myay Mandalar Football Field in Aung Myay Thar San Township, Mandalay. A large group of people dressed as rescue workers entered nearly-collapsed apartment buildings. Due to their numbers and appearance, local residents initially believed them to be legitimate rescue workers. The group proceeded to remove air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, furniture, and other valuable items from the buildings. Witnesses reported that they were unable to intervene due to fears of potential violence, given the large number of perpetrators involved.
Similar incidents have been reported in Naypyidaw, particularly in government staff housing areas. Groups of looters have been targeting structurally compromised buildings during nighttime hours, with the Khaya Housing Estate experiencing a particularly high number of theft cases. According to a foreign ministry official, looters have been taking household items, clothing, and other possessions from the abandoned apartments. The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that many government employees have been temporarily relocated to football fields and rescue camps, leaving their residences vulnerable to theft. The lack of security in these areas has made it easier for criminals to operate with impunity, taking advantage of the post-disaster chaos and the absence of residents who have been forced to evacuate their homes for safety reasons.
