Two arrested in Lat Phrao for knife robbery of jogger’s phone
Police in Lat Phrao district, Bangkok, successfully apprehended two young men who allegedly used a knife to rob a jogger of a mobile phone, which they later sold to fund their methamphetamine habit.
The arrest took place at 4.30pm yesterday, November 4, under the direction of Thanaphan Phadungkan, Chief of Lat Phrao Police Station, along with Ratchat Asalertirun, Deputy Chief, and other officers. The suspects, identified as 26 year old Sor from Myanmar, and 27 year old Thai national Siriwat Sakala, were caught with the stolen iPhone 13 in white.
The incident unfolded on the night of October 31, at 10.30pm, near the Saen Saep Canal walkway under the Lam Sali intersection in Khlong Chan, Bang Kapi, Bangkok. The victim was exercising when two men approached, one dressed in black and the other in white, both wearing jeans. The first suspect brandished a knife to demand money but ended up stealing the victim’s phone before fleeing.
Investigation efforts revealed that the suspects were vagrants without a permanent residence. Surveillance footage confirmed their identities, capturing conversations in Burmese. This led police to trace Siriwat to the end of Soi Lat Phrao 121, where he was found with two meth pills. Simultaneously, Sor was located in the middle of Soi Lat Phrao 127, also with two meth pills in his possession.
In a separate statement, the suspects confessed to the crime, admitting they sold the phone at a Lotus Bang Kapi store to buy drugs. The police have since extended their investigation to include the buyer of the stolen phone, charging them with receiving stolen goods.
The suspects admitted to the theft, describing how they collaborated to rob the jogger and later sold the phone to fund their drug use, reported KhaoSod.
The police noted that the suspects’ lack of a fixed address and the ease with which they moved around likely contributed to their initial evasion of capture. However, the swift action and coordination between different units of the Lat Phrao police force led to their eventual arrest.
In the course of the investigation, officers emphasised the importance of community vigilance and the role of technology, such as CCTV, in aiding law enforcement. The footage not only helped identify the suspects but also provided crucial evidence of their activities and communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why does homelessness often correlate with increased involvement in crime?
Homelessness can lead to crime due to desperation, lack of resources, and limited access to support systems.
How does technology enhance law enforcement’s ability to solve crimes?
Surveillance technology, like CCTV, provides crucial evidence and aids in suspect identification, enhancing crime-solving efficiency.
What if community engagement plays a larger role in crime prevention?
Increased community involvement could lead to quicker crime resolution, improved safety, and stronger trust between citizens and law enforcement.
How do drug habits fuel criminal activities among marginalized groups?
Drug habits can lead to criminal activities as individuals seek funds to sustain their addiction, often resorting to theft or robbery.
What are the broader societal impacts of addressing crime through community initiatives?
Addressing crime through community initiatives fosters resilience, reduces crime rates, and builds supportive networks for vulnerable populations.
