Group nabbed for theft of crane equipment valued at 1.75 million baht

Police in Phetchaburi, have arrested a gang accused of stealing crane equipment worth more than 1.7 million baht ($51,000). The arrests, announced in a press conference, came after a detailed investigation following the report of the theft back in May.

The officials from the Ban Lat Police Station, including Apichart Kaewkoson who is a member of the District 3 Parliament and Police Commission in Phetchaburi, arrested six suspects. The suspects were found with stolen crane equipment close to the value of 2 million baht ($60,000).

The six arrested are Thotsaphon, 35, Praphot, 42, Nate, 48, Thanyarat, 36, Khwanchai, and Nirut, both 43. The police were tipped off in May that this group had been stealing crane equipment in the area. A detailed investigation led to the identification of Thotsaphon, the owner of the vehicle used in the thefts.

The stolen items, including two hydraulic oil pumps, two track walking pumps, and one swing motor, are collectively worth over 1.75 million baht ($52,500). The police reported that the suspects carefully planned the thefts with Thotsaphon and Praphot charged with stealing at night using a vehicle, Nate and Thanyarat charged with joint theft at night involving two or more individuals using a vehicle, and Khwanchai and Nirut charged with receiving stolen property.

The suspects were nabbed in Nakhon Pathom province, where the stolen equipment was also found. They have been transferred to the Ban Lat Police Station for further legal procedures as police have gathered sufficient evidence and obtained arrest warrants from the Provincial Court in Phetchaburi to ensure the criminals are brought to justice.

The police opened the investigation after the victim from Tha Chang reported the theft. This led to the arrest of Thotsaphon, providing the police with crucial information to identify and arrest the other suspects involved in the crime.

File photo for reference only

-- 2024-07-02

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