Gambling tops crime figures

PHUKET: Gambling has once again topped the crime statistics in Phuket, with 163 arrests recorded between July 1 and 25.

The latest police figures show that other common crimes included possession or use of illegal narcotics, with 72 arrests and 541.05 ya bah (methamphetamine) tablets seized; and illegal immigration, with 43 people arrested.

Twenty eight people were arrested on prostitution-related charges while seven were held for illegal possession of weapons. There were also eight cases of embezzlement and four of fraud.

Violent crimes during the period included two murders, five cases of attempted murder; two rapes; and 12 cases of bodily harm.

Police received 76 complaints of offenses relating to property, including 37 cases of theft, seven instances of vandalism, six snatchings, eight robberies, five cases of motorbike theft and one car theft.