EM-tagged suspect arrested in Phuket safe theft of more than B1.3 million
Police from Chalong Police Station yesterday (May 7) announced the arrest of the suspect, identified only as ‘Santi’, and confirmed that more than B800,000 in stolen cash had been recovered and returned to the victim.
Chalong police on May 7 announced the arrest of a suspect identified only as Santi in connection with a Phuket safe theft involving more than B1.3 million stolen from a home in Banyan Villa, Chalong. Police said more than B800,000 in cash was recovered and returned to the victim after officers tracked the case from an attempted break-in reported on Apr 11.
The investigation began when a foreign homeowner reported hearing noises inside his house and confronted a man trying to enter the property. Police said the homeowner saw the suspect’s face before he fled.
Police trace suspect through planned burglary pattern
A second house in the same village, just one property away, was burglarised on Apr 16 while the owner was away during the Songkran holidays. The thief took a safe containing more than B1.3 million in cash, police said.
Investigators led by Pol Lt Col Chayakon Tangsakul said the suspect had surveyed the area in disguise, wearing a Grab delivery jacket and helmet while riding a motorcycle. After the theft, he allegedly forced open the safe and dumped it in a pond off Mueang Chao Fa Rd in Wichit, where divers later recovered it.
Second search uncovers hidden cash at suspect's home
After a week of collecting CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence, officers obtained arrest and search warrants and detained the suspect at his residence. Police seized cash and valuables they believe were linked to the burglaries.
Authorities said Santi first denied the accusations before later confessing. A background check found he was out on bail and wearing a court-ordered EM ankle monitor when the offences were allegedly committed.
Chalong Police Chief Pol Col Surasak Jaidee then ordered a second search of the residence, where officers found more than B800,000 hidden inside the property. The recovered money was formally returned on May 7 to the Russian victim, who told police it had been set aside for his grandson’s tuition fees.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/em-tagged-thief-arrested-over-b1-3mn-phuket-safe-theft-100153.php
