Ex-waiter arrested for shabu restaurant theft in Ubon Ratchathani
Police in Ubon Ratchathani arrested a former head waiter accused of breaking into a shabu restaurant and stealing money.
The suspect, 20 year old Natthaphon Wongko, reportedly used a stone to smash the glass of the restaurant, including one where he previously worked, to commit the theft.
The incident was reported on Monday, January 13, when 30 year old Panupon Khokluecha, owner of Nai Noi Shabu located on Phalochai Road in Mueang district, notified the police of a break-in.
The break-in occurred late on January 12, and the thief stole 1,000 baht in coins used for giving change. The glass door suffered damage worth over 10,000 baht.
Police, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Methee Nasaree, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station, conducted an investigation using CCTV footage.
This led to the identification and subsequent arrest of Natthaphon at an apartment in the same district. Natthaphon admitted to smashing the glass of Nai Noi Shabu with a stone and stealing from the premises.
Natthaphon explained his motive was to acquire money to pay for accommodations shared with his girlfriend, as he is currently unemployed. He confessed to a similar crime late last year at Supstar Shabu, a restaurant where he previously worked as a head waiter. In that incident, he reportedly stole 20,000 baht, which he has since spent.
Initially, the police charged Natthaphon with nighttime theft involving breaking through barriers designed to protect individuals or property. The charges include the use of a vehicle to facilitate the crime or to escape capture. He is currently under custody pending further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.
In a related report, two foreign men vandalised a local restaurant in Phuket early on September 30 last year, shattering glass windows and causing distress among staff and nearby residents.
The incidents occurred at the Birds Cafe Restaurant in Soi OrBorTor, Cherng Talay, and prompted a police investigation.
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