Gambling tops crime stats again

PHUKET: In October gambling once again topped the crime statistics in Phuket, with 166 people arrested for indulging in illegal games of chance during the October 1-25 reporting period. Twenty-two of the arrests were linked to the underground lottery.

Other crime figures released by the Phuket Provincial Police included 42 arrests for illegal use or possession of narcotics, with 222 tablets of ya bah (methamphetamine) seized.

Eleven people were arrested for illegal immigration and 26 for prostitution.

There were two murder cases, one of which resulted in an arrest. Two people were taken into custody for manslaughter.

Other violent crimes included five cases of attempted murder, 17 cases of causing bodily harm and four rapes.

Police received 32 complaints of theft, one of gang-related robbery and eight concerning mischief. Six people were arrested for stealing motorbikes and one for auto theft.

Dodgy business dealings resulted in 11 complaints of misappropriation and three complaints of cheating and fraud.

Five people were arrested for illegal possession of firearms.