In Australia, these days, we're (the law/courts) are far too soft on thieves ! (IMHO)
Check out the typical reaction to a motorbike thief getting caught in the act in Sai Gon.
(I've witnessed this same sort of thing happening several times while living there)
A little bit of 'street justice' was administered by the bike's owner and a couple of the locals first.
After this typical demonstration of general disapproval, THEN the locals call the Cong An. (police)
Seems to work a lot better than the 'slap on the wrist' treatment thieves usually get from the courts in Australia.
Flip