Police arrest two brothers over Rawai electrical cable thefts
Police in Phuket arrested two brothers over a series of electrical cable thefts in Rawai after CCTV footage from a May 30 theft helped investigators trace the suspects to a house where stolen wire, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized.
Police in Phuket have arrested two brothers accused of repeatedly stealing electrical cables from homes and construction sites in Rawai, after investigators linked them to a series of thefts reported throughout May.
Chalong Police said officers received six reports of copper wire thefts in the Rawai subdistrict during the month. The incidents, mainly at private residences and construction sites, caused substantial property damage, police said. Investigators faced difficulties because most of the crime scenes did not have CCTV coverage.
On May 30, however, three more thefts were reported in a single night, and one incident was clearly recorded on surveillance footage. Police said they traced the suspects’ escape route and identified a motorcycle matching the one seen in the video parked near a house in Rawai.
A search of the property led officers to two men identified as Mr. Hreen and Mr. Yoh, with surnames withheld. Police said they found suspected stolen property including four rolls of copper wire, seven sacks of electrical wire, a basket of electrical wire, a black main power cable and a pair of wire cutters.
Investigators also discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at the property. Both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine use, police said.
During questioning, the brothers confessed to carrying out six thefts, according to police. Investigators said the men admitted stripping insulation from the stolen wires and selling the copper to scrap dealers to pay daily expenses and buy narcotics.
Authorities have charged the pair with theft and drug-related offenses. Both suspects and the seized evidence were taken to Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Police urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity and consider installing CCTV systems at homes and construction sites, saying surveillance footage was crucial in solving the case and remains an important tool for preventing and investigating crime. Anyone witnessing suspicious activity or requiring emergency assistance can call 191 or Chalong Police Station on 076-381247.
