Strange Ski Mask Burglar Nabbed By Sattahip Police

September 4, 2012

An odd burgler nicknamed “balaclava-red mouth” by victimized Sattahip residents was arrested by police while parking his stolen motorbike. Police recovered more than 100 stolen items that the suspect either kept for himself or gave to friends.

SATTAHIP – September 3, 2012 [PDN]; at 10.30 a.m., the arrest of a notorious burglar was announced at the front of Sattahip police station by Pol. Maj. Gen. Roongrit Soonsap, Deputy Commissioner, section 2; together with Pol. Col.Supphathee Boonkrong, Deputy Commander; Mr. Pawat Lertmookda, Sattahip sheriff; Pol. Col. Chonnapat Nawalak, Superintendent, Sattahip police station; Pol. Lt.Col. Prakorb Saengpring, Deputy Superintendent; and the operation police team of the Subduing Crime unit led by Pol. Lt. Col. Wicharnvit Keuykarn, Inspector, Sattahip police station.

The suspect was identified as Mr. Bancha or Tun Photiwong, age 38, nicknamed “balaclava-red mouth,” at address 122/97 Moo 4 TambonPlutaluang, Amphur Sattahip, Chonburi province.

Mr. Bancha is accused of breaking into homes and stealing property, including several motorbikes. Police seized 100 stolen items for evidence that included four Honda motorbikes, a desktop computer, nine fashionable bags, five mobile phones, a gas tank, a pair of big nippers for cutting iron, and a sharp iron for levering the ignition keyholes of motorbikes.

Police also seized Mr. Bancha’s motorbike he used in his crimes, a used white Honda Click, red license number 6-2832Sriracha.

While committing his burglaries, Mr. Bancha wore a black balaclava (ski mask) and apparently applied red makeup around his eyes and mouth. His appearance scared local people, who gave the unknown burglar the nickname “balaclava-red mouth.”

Pol. Col. Supphathee Boonkrong revealed that suspect acted alone in committing his burglaries. After receiving numerous reports of burglaries from local residents, Pol. Col. Suphatee commanded Pol. Col. Chonnapat Nawalak to mobilize forces to track down and arrest the thief.

On August 31, 2012 at 10 a.m., while the police were inspecting the area in front of Kularb House hotel, they encountered the suspect riding a motorbike to park at the hotel.

Mr. Bancha was wearing his balaclava and had the red coloring around his red eyes and mouth, so the police arrested him. Police also discovered his motorbike had been reported stolen.

The police later inspected Mr. Bancha’s house and seized more than 100 stolen items. Mr. Bancha confessed to the burglaries, but he told police that he didn’t sell the stolen properties. He instead enjoyed the stolen property for his personal collection, and also gave some items to friends.

More than 20 burglary victims came to the Sattahip police station to view the recovered stolen items and reclaim their property. Eight more victims were also notified to view the items and file burglary reports to add to the accusations.

In gratitude for arresting the dreaded “balaclava-red mouth burglar,” Sattahip resident Ms. Orn-int Chotchuang, age 28, the selling manager of Sirisa village, gave a flower basket to Pol. Col. Chonnapat Nawalak, Superintendent Sattahip police station, on behalf of relieved residents.