Police quickly nab suspects in Bang Phli market burglary

Police in Bang Phli swiftly arrested two suspects less than 24 hours after a late-night burglary at a local market office. The suspects, 18 year old Anuwat, and 42 year old Natthapimon, were apprehended with stolen gold and cash worth nearly 1 million baht.

Today, September 17, Police Colonel Pairoj Phetploy and Investigation Chief Santirat Ngernmun, along with a team of investigators from Bang Phli Police Station, arrested Anuwat and Natthapimon for their involvement in the theft. They were charged with nighttime burglary and receiving stolen goods, using a vehicle.

The police seized 909,650 baht (US$27,350) in cash, two gold rings weighing 7.6 grammes each, seven gold-encased Buddha amulets, a wristwatch, and the clothes worn during the crime. The arrest occurred in Soi Lhang Ka Daeng, Suvarnabhumi Road 3, Bang Chalong subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province.

The incident began early yesterday when the victim reported a burglary that occurred around 12.42am on September 16. Thieves had stolen 25 baht weight of gold and a Honda MSX motorcycle from an office in Bang Phli Yai subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province.

CCTV footage from the scene and nearby areas showed the suspect entering the premises around 12.39am, before fleeing to a nearby rental room in Moo 6, Bang Chalong subdistrict. Police tracked down and identified the suspect sitting on the bicycle used in the crime and conducted a search.

Upon questioning, Anuwat confessed to riding his bicycle past the closed office, removing a sliding window, and stealing gold and cash, along with the motorcycle. He then handed the gold to his aunt and adoptive mother, Natthapimon, who sold it for 909,650 baht and altered the gold rings at a jewellery shop.

Market burglary

Pol. Col. Pairoj explained that the suspects were caught before they could relocate the stolen goods. Anuwat admitted to committing similar crimes in the past, often riding his bicycle and targeting unattended locations. Anuwat worked as a security guard, while Natthapimon was unemployed.

Natthapimon stated that she had raised Anuwat since childhood after his mother’s passing. She claimed Anuwat told her he found the gold at the foot of a bridge and did not steal it.

Believing his story and driven by greed, she quickly sold the gold. She sold the gold in three parts: two pieces weighing 10 baht each and one piece weighing 5 baht. She was shocked when police arrested her, realising too late that Anuwat had stolen the items, reported KhaoSod.

The police have taken Anuwat and Natthapimon, along with the seized items, to Bang Phli Police Station for further legal proceedings.