Water-meter thief nabbed in Cherng Talay

PHUKET: Police arrested a man on Tuesday after finding him in possession of 18 water meters stolen from residential homes in the Cherng Talay area.

Youngyut Matchawet, 25, was arrested at his house in Cherng Talay, after police tracked him down through CCTV footage.

“We began receiving complaints from local residents on Saturday about their water meters disappearing,” said Lt Col Saad Wongwiangjan of the Cherng Talay Police.

“After reviewing CCTV footage of the thief, we were able to pinpoint the area where he lived.”

Police raided Mr Youngyut’s house, where they found the water meters, some of which had already been taken apart, so that the brass parts inside could be resold.

“Mr Youngyut confessed to stealing the water meters because he had no job and no money,” said Col Saad.

Mr Youngyut was charged for the thefts and was sent to Phuket Provincial Prison, pending a court hearing.

Police have denied reports that Mr Youngyut confessed to them that the money he raised through selling the materials was being used for a methamphetamine addiction.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong