The arrests followed a series of complaints received by Chalong Police throughout May regarding the theft of electrical cables in Rawai. The incidents, which occurred mainly at private residences and construction sites, caused substantial property damage.
Police launched an investigation but initially faced difficulties due to the lack of CCTV coverage at most of the crime scenes.
The breakthrough came after three more thefts were reported during a single night on May 30, Chalong Police reported.
CCTV footage from one of the locations captured clear images of the suspects and their vehicle, enabling investigators to trace their movements.
Following the trail, officers identified a residence in Rawai where a motorcycle matching the description of the vehicle used in the thefts was found parked nearby.
A search of the property led to the arrest of two men identified by police as ‘Mr Hreen’ and ‘Mr Yo’. During the search, officers seized a large quantity of suspected stolen property, including four rolls of copper wire, seven sacks of electrical wire, a basket of electrical wire, a black main power cable and a pair of wire cutters.
Police also discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside the house. Urine tests conducted on both suspects returned positive results for methamphetamine use.
During questioning, both men allegedly confessed to committing six electrical wire thefts in the Rawai area. Police said the pair admitted stripping insulation from the stolen cables before selling the copper to scrap metal dealers. The proceeds were reportedly used for living expenses and to purchase drugs.
The suspects have been charged with theft and drug-related offences and were taken into custody along with the seized evidence for further legal proceedings at Chalong Police Station.
Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. They also recommended installing security cameras at homes and around valuable property to help deter crime and assist investigations.
Anyone witnessing suspicious activity or requiring emergency assistance can contact police by calling 191 or Chalong Police Station on 076-381247.