PATTAYA, Thailand – Police in Banglamung have arrested a 38-year-old former motorcycle mechanic accused of stealing motorcycle wheels from multiple locations across the district and selling them on order, before being tracked down and caught at a traffic light, July 4. The arrest was carried out by investigators from Banglamung Police Station following a detailed review of CCTV footage. Police said the suspect had been targeting motorcycles parked in various areas, particularly in front of Sri Suvit School and near the entrance of Wat Thakadan. He allegedly removed motorcycle wheels and tyres, leaving vehicles propped up on bricks, before selling the stolen items for around 1,000 baht per pair based on customer orders. Investigators tracked the suspect after identifying a black Honda PCX160 motorcycle used during the thefts. Surveillance footage helped officers locate and apprehend him at a traffic light on Chaiyaporn Withi Road.
A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a motorcycle used in the crimes, clothing worn during the incidents, a hidden license plate, and various tools believed to have been used in the thefts.
During questioning, the suspect confessed that he was formerly a motorcycle mechanic and used his technical knowledge to quickly remove wheels from targeted vehicles. He said he used bricks to support the motorcycles after removing the wheels, before selling the stolen items for profit.
He also admitted to recently using illegal drugs prior to his arrest. A urine test later confirmed the presence of methamphetamine.
Police have charged him with theft using a vehicle to facilitate the crime or to escape arrest, and illegal drug consumption. He has been handed over to investigators at Banglamung Police Station for further legal proceedings, with police also preparing to expand the investigation to identify any buyers of suspected stolen goods.
