Stock photo - Car thief using tool to break into car

Car theft is on the rise in Thailand. While not a new crime, many thieves are now targeting rental car services instead of individuals. Vehicles are often resold or have their parts removed for resale in other countries.

A gang of 8 people were arrested for stealing 70 vehicles from rental car services.

An investigation launched on March 10 after a rental car owner filed a complaint at Huai Khwang station. The complaint indicated that a man that goes by the name of Kittphat Smitiwiwan rented three vehicles and seemingly disappeared with them. When the cars were not returned, the owner used the on-board GPS to locate the vehicles found at a used-car shop.

Located on Thiam Ruam Mit Road, police raided the car shop and arrested three men and one woman. In total, 689,000 baht was recovered as well as the stolen vehicles and 5 GPS units. There were also 16 other vehicles seized from the location, including 8 that were already reported stolen.

After being interrogated, the police were told of a warehouse in Bung Kum that is used to store more stolen vehicles. Instead, the police recovered 55 other vehicles. All suspects turned themselves into the authorities and have been released on bail pending theft charges.

-- 2015-04-13

That must have been some well hidden on-board gps.

Just a re-post of March 12th ???