Duo arrested for snatching

PHUKET CITY: Two young men were arrested yesterday on charges of snatching and receiving stolen property. Police said that Sampan “Ab” Pantunit, 18, and Prakij “Tum” Nariwandee, 20, confessed to snatching a variety of items from their victims but denied receiving stolen goods. Also arrested was the unnamed owner of the SR mobile phone shop on Damrong Rd, who was charged with receiving stolen goods. Ab and Tum gave investigators the names of three other youngsters involved in snatching, and the three are now being sought by police. Pol Capt Akanit Danpitaksat, Sub-Inspector of Investigation at Phuket City Police Station, told the Gazette that the two youngsters explained that they would hang around Khao Rang or Soi Tonpho in the Saphan Hin area, waiting for victims. After robbing them, they would sell the stolen items at the SR shop. Between them, they confessed to a total of 12 robberies in June and July. Their haul included 14 mobile phones, a gold necklace, 1,600 baht in cash and a Honda Sonic motorbike.