The suspect, identified by police only as ‘Mr Dick’, was arrested at a house in Soi Suksomboon in Rawai on Tuesday (July 21). Police also seized the motorcycle allegedly used in the thefts.
The investigation began after Chalong Police received a report on June 26 of a break-in at coin-operated washing machines within the station’s jurisdiction.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage, which allegedly showed the suspect arriving on a motorcycle, breaking into a washing machine and fleeing the scene.
Police gathered evidence and obtained an arrest warrant from the Phuket Provincial Court before locating the suspect at a house in Rawai. However, he escaped through the back of the property before officers could apprehend him.
Acting on information from an informant, police returned to the house on Tuesday, surrounding the property and blocking possible escape routes.
According to police, the suspect attempted to run after opening the front door but was chased down and arrested.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to two thefts involving coin-operated washing machines.
He remains in police custody while legal proceedings continue. The motorcycle believed to have been used in the offences was seized as evidence.