Man arrested for gold necklace theft in Ratchaburi mall
A 58 year old man was apprehended by police after allegedly robbing a gold necklace from a Photharam district shopping mall in Ratchaburi province.
The robbery, which occurred yesterday, March 24 at approximately 2.30pm, was prompted by financial distress, as Settapong feared losing his home and car.
Police Lieutenant Chawalit Thabtimthong, Deputy Inspector of Photharam Police Station, was alerted to the incident. The suspect, described as an elderly man, reportedly entered the gold shop and requested to view a 2 baht gold necklace.
After examining it, he asked to see another, claiming the first was too light. He then took the second necklace, told the employee “I’ll take this,” and fled the store. Despite the employee’s attempts to stop him, Settapong managed to escape in a Toyota Vios with licence plate number กว 617, registered in Ratchaburi.
Following the incident, Police Major General Wachiraphong Amornpitak, Ratchaburi Provincial Police Commander, directed all local police stations to monitor potential escape routes. The suspect was located within 30 minutes at a red light on Phetkasem Road in Baan Sing subdistrict, Photharam district. Settapong was arrested with the stolen necklace in a crossbody bag.
During interrogation, Settapong confessed to the crime, citing impending repossession of his house and car as motivation. Although he works in confectionery distribution and gardening, debts and financial pressure led him to commit this first-time offence. He expressed remorse for the impact on his wife and two children, who remain at home.
Maj. Gen. Wachiraphong expressed gratitude to the police for their efficient operation, which enabled the suspect’s swift capture. He noted that while Settapong acknowledged economic hardship, it did not justify criminal actions, reported KhaoSod.
He warned potential offenders in Ratchaburi of the police’s capability to apprehend them quickly, thanks to effective systems and advancements. Settapong faces charges of theft involving the use of a vehicle to facilitate the crime or evade arrest.
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