Police step up Phuket gold shop inspections to increase security

Wiroj Wankittikhun, the owner of the store, told The Phuket News that his store already had a steel grill installed as well as an electrically-locked door that is controlled remotely by staff. He says the shop also has an alarm system, CCTV cameras and glass covered with safety film. Pornsak says the move to increase security comes after the Royal Thai Police issued a nationwide order to step up proactive security measures of the gold shops to prevent future robberies.

“We also have a book for police on patrol to make notes in, as requested by the police. Police have been sent to inspect locations across Phuket at high risk of robbery, such as gold shops, banks and department stores. They are prepared to take action with any robbery.”

“I have already ordered the chief of each police station to create their own measures to prevent any robberies of gold shops and convenience stores in the areas under their jurisdiction.”

“We are also coordinating with local administrative organisations to install more CCTV cameras along roads and in community areas, and to ensure the cameras are kept in good condition.”

Pornsak didn’t say whether there was an actual increase in the amount of robberies of gold shops that warranted the new security measures, however, recently there have been a number of gold shops in the news.

SOURCE: The Phuket News