Bang Rak police arrest volunteers for stealing telephone cables

Police in Bang Rak district in Bangkok arrested a group of volunteer rescuers accused of stealing telephone cables. The suspects were caught using a siren-equipped vehicle to pull cables from an underground manhole in the Si Phraya area yesterday, October 8.

Major General Samart Promchat, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, along with Deputy Commander Narit Pratanaporn, led the operation. The suspects included 32 year old Kittipong, 19 year old Walinda, 22 year old Natthawut, and two minors aged 17 and 14 years old. They were apprehended with two pickup trucks, one a white Toyota Revo and the other a white Isuzu, both equipped with sirens and rescue foundation stickers.

The operation stemmed from a meticulous plan by the Bang Rak police to capture the gang, known for stealing electrical and telephone cables across Bangkok and its vicinity. Their method involved using siren-equipped trucks to extract cables from underground manholes. The police had been monitoring their activities and knew they would strike in the area.

Upon investigation, the police identified a white Isuzu D-Max, registration number บม 1532 Sa Kaeo, fitted with a canopy and rescue foundation stickers. Kittipong was driving, with Walinda as a passenger. A white Toyota Revo, registration number บต 9912 Nakhon Nayok, was driven by Natthawut, accompanied by the two minors. Both vehicles parked in front of a noodle shop on Si Phraya Road.

Once parked, the suspects, all dressed in maroon team shirts with reflective strips, divided their tasks. Natthawut checked the cables at the manhole edge and called Kittipong to drive the vehicle that pulled the cables. The 14 year old ensured passing vehicles did not run over the cables, potentially causing accidents. Kittipong reversed the truck to pull the cables out, while the 17 year old cut the extracted cables. Walinda remained in the truck during the operation.

As the suspects were in action, a representative from the National Telecommunications Company, working with the police, pointed them out. The police immediately arrested the group. During questioning, Kittipong admitted to leading the gang.

He revealed that they had been conducting these thefts since May, selling the stolen cables to a junk shop in Romklao for 170 to 180 baht per kilogramme. Burning the cables to extract copper fetched 280 to 300 baht per kilogramme. The proceeds were then divided among the team, with each member receiving 500 baht.

The police have identified and will take legal action against shops involved in purchasing stolen goods. Initially, the suspects were charged with nighttime theft using a vehicle. Kittipong faced additional charges for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and carrying them in public without permission. The suspects and evidence were handed over to the Bang Rak Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Police Colonel Thammasak Saranboon urged the public to remain vigilant against such criminal activities. He explained that legitimate contractors would have official permits for night-time cable removal, specifying the size, distance, and location of the work as authorised by the National Telecommunications Company, reported KhaoSod.

“If anyone observes suspicious activities resembling these thefts or has any doubts, please report to the 191 hotline for immediate police action.”