Police from Chalong Police Station yesterday (May 7) announced the arrest of the suspect, identified only as ‘Santi’, and confirmed that more than B800,000 in stolen cash had been recovered and returned to the victim.
According to police, the investigation began on Apr 11 after officers received a report of an attempted burglary at a house in Banyan Villa in Chalong. The foreign homeowner reportedly heard suspicious noises inside the property and confronted a man attempting to break in, managing to see the suspect’s face before he fled.
Just five days later, on Apr 16, another house in the same village, located only one property away, was burglarised while the owner was away during the Songkran holidays. The thief stole a safe containing more than B1.3mn in cash.
Investigators led by Pol Lt Col Chayakon Tangsakul said the suspect had carefully planned the thefts. He allegedly disguised himself as a Grab delivery rider by wearing a food delivery jacket and helmet while scouting the neighbourhood on a motorcycle.
After stealing the safe, the suspect reportedly forced it open before dumping the remains into a pond off Mueang Chao Fa Rd in Wichit in an attempt to destroy evidence. Police later coordinated with divers to recover the safe.
Following a week of gathering CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence, officers obtained arrest and search warrants and arrested the suspect at his residence. Police also seized several items believed to be connected to the burglaries, including cash and valuables.
Authorities said the suspect initially denied the charges before later confessing.
A background check found that the suspect had allegedly committed similar offences in the past and was currently out on bail while wearing a court-ordered EM ankle monitor.
Chalong Police Chief Pol Col Surasak Jaidee subsequently ordered a second search of the suspect’s residence, where officers recovered more than B800,000 in cash hidden inside the property.
The recovered money was formally returned to the Russian victim yesterday. The victim told police the cash had been intended for his grandson’s tuition fees and thanked officers for their efforts in recovering the stolen assets.
Police said investigations are continuing to locate any accomplices and recover the remaining stolen funds.
Officers also urged residents and tourists to take greater precautions by locking homes securely, installing CCTV cameras and ensuring adequate lighting around properties to help deter crime.