Man arrested for stealing embassy car mirrors in Bangkok

Thung Maha Mek Police Station officers in Bangkok arrested a man for breaking into a car care shop and stealing side mirrors from several vehicles belonging to an embassy. The theft was captured on CCTV, and the suspect confessed to selling the stolen items for money.

The Superintendent of Thung Maha Mek Police Station, Panom Chueathong, yesterday, July 15, reported that the investigation team had apprehended 37 year old Akkaphon Laphasanan. He was charged with night-time burglary and theft in a dwelling using a vehicle to facilitate the crime or to escape capture. The arrest occurred at a residence in Thung Maha Mek, Sathorn, Bangkok.

The investigation stemmed from a previous incident on July 9, around 2.30am, when the side mirrors of a bronze Mercedes-Benz, alongside several nearby vehicles were removed and stolen. The vehicles had been left overnight at the car care shop for maintenance, cleaning, and polishing. The theft was reported to Thung Maha Mek Police Station.

A previous programme initiated under the tenure of former Police Chief Suwat Jangyodsuk proved to be crucial as the CCTV cameras, installed by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), captured the events in full, providing a clear image of the perpetrator for investigation efforts.

During questioning, Akkaphon confessed to all charges. The thief admitted to entering the shop’s premises and stealing the side mirrors from both vehicles and later selling them for personal expenses. It was revealed that the Mercedes-Benz in question was a regular vehicle of an unnamed international embassy, reported KhaoSod.

In related news, prosecutors have called for additional investigation into a case involving the theft of grilled meatballs, which were stolen out of desperation to cook for a man’s children and to share with his elderly, ill parents. This case raises concerns about whether it should be classified as a non-beneficial prosecution.