Phuket police arrest suspect in villa burglaries, recover cash and watches
Thai man posed as delivery rider to steal cash and Rolex from Russian's villa 👮 Police in Phuket, Thailand, successfully apprehended a suspect known as Santi after he allegedly targeted luxury villas while wearing an…
Police in Phuket have arrested a Thai man accused of targeting luxury villas in Chalong while posing as a delivery rider, after a burglary case that began on April 11. Investigators said the suspect, identified as Santi, was later linked to the theft of more than 1.3 million baht in cash from a safe at Banyan Villa during Songkran, along with a Rolex watch from a Russian man’s home.
CCTV and disguise led police to the suspect
The case opened when a resident confronted a burglar trying to break into a house at Banyan Villa in Chalong district on April 11, police said. Two days later, a second break-in was reported in the same estate.
Investigators said the suspect rented a motorcycle and wore a delivery uniform and helmet to avoid recognition. CCTV footage allowed officers to identify both the man and the vehicle despite the disguise.
Raids recover 800,000 baht and stolen watches
Police carried out two raids at the suspect’s residence and seized 800,000 baht in cash that had been hidden there, along with several stolen watches. Records showed Santi had three previous theft cases and was out on bail in connection with a similar offence in 2024.
Police said he confessed after allegedly smashing the stolen safe to remove the money and dumping the remains in the Chao Fa mine. Authorities then coordinated divers to recover the destroyed safe from the mine.
The Russian victim thanked police after receiving recovered money that had been intended for a grandchild’s tuition fees. Officers are continuing to look for any accomplices and the remaining stolen funds.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYJNoMllofp/
