Thieves Arrested in Phetchaburi for String of Electrical Wire and Appliance Thefts

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A group responsible for a series of thefts in Cha-am, Phetchaburi, has been apprehended by police in an operation led by Police Lieutenant General Naiwat Phadermchit. The suspects, identified as 47-year-old Surachet Nucharoen, 24-year-old Weerapat Maksuwan, and 31-year-old Methavee Samutklang, conducted nearly ten break-ins, targeting electrical wires and household appliances, with their illegal gains reportedly funding methamphetamine purchases.

The group’s operations were brought to a halt on May 13 at a residence in the Huai Sai Tai community within Cha-am Municipality. They are facing charges of nighttime theft and drug offences, with Weerapat facing an additional charge for possession of 11 methamphetamine pills.

Authorities seized numerous items during the arrests, including a red-and-black Honda Wave 100 motorcycle, a sidecar motorcycle, a blue Yamaha Spark motorcycle, as well as several household appliances, electrical wires, copper, helmets, fans, and air conditioner units.

Once apprehended, the suspects identified various crime scenes in the Huai Sai Tai and Sam Phraya communities before being taken for further questioning. Surachet admitted to the series of burglaries, explaining that he and his accomplices would traverse local villages, stealing appliances and selling them for amounts ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 baht (approximately US$150 to 300), which they used for daily expenses and drugs.

The investigation traced several theft incidents, beginning with electrical wires stolen from a warehouse on Phetkasem Road on April 18 and 19. Additional thefts included home electrical wires, an air conditioner compressor, copper coils, and main electrical wires, targeting various locations, including a restaurant and Palm Villa between April 19 and May 11.

Police Colonel Apirak Permchai noted that the group’s activities caused significant disruption and concern among residents in the Huai Sai and Sam Phraya Tai communities. The investigation also revealed these suspects were involved in seven previous offences.

To bolster community safety, Cha-am Police Station is maintaining rigorous measures and invites victims of these thefts to view the recovered goods and help identify the perpetrators. The apprehension marks a concerted effort to address and prevent further crimes in the area, ensuring peace and security for local residents.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-14