Suspect in 7.8 million baht gold robbery arrested
The suspect involved in a gold robbery valued at approximately 7.8 million baht has been apprehended.
Police, after scrutinising CCTV footage for two days, discovered a suspicious pickup truck used by the suspect to survey the area before committing the crime. A press briefing is scheduled for today. March 27.
The incident involved a male suspect who used a firearm to rob gold jewellery from a renowned gold shop located in a shopping centre in Bang Pa-in, alongside the Asian Highway. The robbery, which took place on the evening of March 23, resulted in the suspect obtaining gold necklaces totalling 160 baht in weight.
Yesterday, investigative officers from Region 1 and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province made progress by examining witness statements and CCTV footage.
They identified a suspicious pickup truck parked in a nearby parking lot a day before the robbery, indicating a reconnaissance mission.
On March 23, the suspect parked in the same location, proceeded on foot to the shopping centre, and committed the robbery using a firearm.
After the theft, the suspect exited the premises on foot and hired a motorcycle taxi to return to the vicinity of his parked vehicle. Police had been monitoring the pickup truck and collecting evidence, eventually identifying the suspect as 43 year old Worapot.
He was apprehended in Pathum Thani province with the stolen gold jewellery and the clothing worn during the robbery, reported KhaoSod.
Police are currently detaining the suspect for questioning. Preliminary investigations reveal that he has personal debts amounting to about 500,000 baht (US$14,735). A press conference is set to take place today, March 27.
Original story: Gold heist at Bang Pa-in jewellery store, suspect at large
A male suspect allegedly executed a meticulously planned gold heist at a renowned jewellery store within a shopping centre in Bang Pa-in, adjacent to Asia Road, in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
The suspect stole gold necklaces weighing a total of 160 baht, valued at approximately 7.8 million baht (US$229,480). The incident occurred yesterday afternoon.
On March 24, at 1.30pm, at the Bang Pa-in Police Station, Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, convened a meeting with senior officers, including Police Major General Chokchai Ngamwong, Deputy Commissioner, and other high-ranking officials. They gathered to assess the situation and advance the investigation. The meeting lasted over an hour.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol revealed that the suspect was well-prepared, donning tight-fitting clothes and shoes, allowing him to blend in unnoticed at the shopping centre. The thief targeted gold jewellery weighing between 10 and 20 baht but left with 12 items weighing a total of 160 baht.
The suspect arrived at the shopping centre on foot and, after the robbery, hired a motorcycle taxi to escape via the Asia Road, a short distance from the crime scene. This has left investigators without information on the getaway vehicle.
The investigation identified Asia Road and local village roads as not particularly complex, aiding the tracking efforts. Investigators are urged to gather as much evidence as possible.
The authenticity of the suspect’s weapon remains undetermined due to unclear witness accounts. Police are optimistic about apprehending the suspect within four to five days.
Police Major General Worachat Saenkham, Chief of the Crime Suppression Division, urged the public to assist in identifying the suspect. The suspect was seen wearing a black long-sleeve jacket, carrying a blue cartoon-patterned bag, black gloves, a green plaid hat covering his face, grey trousers, and black canvas shoes resembling Nanyang brand footwear, reported KhaoSod.
Witnesses or anyone with information are encouraged to contact Police Colonel Chanan Prempluemjit at 094-6353546, Police Major Nat Wilairat at 081-9857596, or Police Lieutenant Colonel Apimuk Semasrit at 083-1783146 to expedite the suspect’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
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