German held for stealing from Lotus

PHUKET TOWN: A German tourist was arrested Monday evening after allegedly stealing goods worth almost 30,000 baht from the Tesco-Lotus Supercenter. According to a police report seen by the Gazette, Uwe Gayer, 32, was observed queuing up at a payment counter with a full cart. Soon afterwards, Saranya Nathoongnui, a member of Lotus’ Prevention Before Loss Department, saw him turn his cart around and walk out of the store into the parking lot. K. Saranya called security staff who stopped Gayer before he could leave the car park. He was found to be in possession of more than 20 items, including a fax machine and a microwave oven. The total value of the goods was 29,765 baht. Gayer was unable to produce a receipt. Because Gayer was a tourist, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Theera Choomanuth of the Tourist Police was called to the store and arrested the German. He then sent Gayer to Phuket Town Police Station for questioning. The case investigator, Lt Col Amnuay Kraiwuthinant, said that Gayer admitted the offence. He was then charged and taken into custody.