Elusive Gas Tank Burglar Busted In Satthip

September 5, 2012

A burglar who had eluded police for years while stealing gas tanks in Sattahip was finally caught at a police checkpoint. He admitted to stealing more than 200 gas tanks from residents and vendors. He had sold the tanks to a gas tank shop to buy drugs.

SATTAHIP – September 4, 2012 [PDN]: at 1 p.m., a burglary arrest was announced by Pol. Col. Chaosiri Boonsiriyothin, Superintendent, Plutaluang police station, Chonburi province; together with Pol. Sub. Lt. Prakart Manarm, Deputy Inspector; Pol. Sen. Sgt. Maj. Wanpen Laksanawong, supervisor of the Kasempholcross Road sentry box; Pol. Sen. Sgt. Maj. Sakchai Ketbanjong, traffic unit; and the community police force.

The suspect was identified as Mr. Veerayuth or Kong Lekpetch, age 28, address11/16 Moo 7 Tambon Plutaluang, Amphur Sattahip, Chonburi province.

Police seized the evidence of a stolen gas tank with a 6 kg capacity, and Mr. Veerayuth’s motorbike, a red-grey Suzuki Smash motorbike, license number KHOR YOR WOR-877 Rayong.

Mr. Veeryuth was finally caught red-handed with the stolen gas tank, after his latest theft from a resident, Mr. Songsak Bannakham, age 35, address112/6 Chaiyapreuk Private Home village Moo 10 Tambon Kledkaew, Amphur Sattahip, Chonburi province.

Mr. Songsak told police that while he was away, the suspect had entered his house and stolen his gas tank. But Mr. Songsak returned back home in time to see the burglar escaping on his motorbike along route 332. The fleeing burglar later passed the sentry box at Kasemphol cross road.

So the police mobilized forces to set up a checkpoint further down the road, and caught Mr. Veeryuth riding his motorbike with the stolen gas tank.

During questioning, Mr. Veerayuth confessed to stealing the gas tank. He further admitted to stealing more than 200 tanks by burglarizing empty residences and businesses and escaping on his motorbike.

Mr. Veerayuth fenced the stolen goods at a gas tank shop in Sriprapat market, km. 10 Tambon Plutaluang.

For larger 16 kg gas tanks, Mr. Veerayuth would be paid 800 THB, and for the smaller 6 kg gas tanks, 500 THB. He would then use the money to buy amphetamines to consume.

Pol. Col. Chaosiri Boonsiriyothin said the elusive thief had been stealing gas tanks for many years from Sattahip residents and vendors.

Police detectives had been pursuing the gas-tank burglar for a long time, but found no trace of him. Finally his latest victim reported the thief and coordinated with the police to arrest him.

Police are gathering evidence to prosecute the owner of the gas tank shop and charge him with buying stolen property.