'ironman' Thief Nabbed In Phuket

'Ironman' thief nabbed in Phuket

Mr Amnaj poses behind the recovered haul of iron yesterday. His victims can contact Chalong Police to recover stolen items.

CHALONG, PHUKET: -- Chalong Police on Monday arrested a man with a motorbike sidecar full of pilfered iron, including drainage grates stolen from local roadways.

Amnaj Suebsin, 33, was caught with two stolen iron drainage grates, three car ramps, two supports designed to hold exhaust pipes, an industrial pipe-cutter and various other large pieces of iron.

Chalong Police became increasingly concerned about public safety on Sunday night, when they noticed two road drainage holes missing grate covers and creating a serious hazard to passing motorists – especially at night.

Assuming the covers had been stolen, they began a search for the culprit.

Police spotted Mr Amnaj with part of his haul on Soi Anusorn in Chalong the following morning.

He fled the scene in his salaeng (motorbike with sidecar), but was soon apprehended near the entrance of Land & House residential estate on Chao Fa West road in Chalong.

Mr Amnaj confessed to snatching iron and loading up his salang in overnight raids.

He sold the items to a scrap dealer in Rassada for seven baht per kilogram.

A painter by trade, Mr Amnaj told police he was three months behind on motorbike payments and needed the money because he feared his bike would be repossessed.

Fortunately there have been no reports of accidents related to the thefts.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-04-20

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