Bangkok: Metropolitan Police have apprehended a young rider accused of stealing from the residences of both a doctor and the deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau's investigation division. The suspect, identified as Mr. Khomkrit, exploited gaps in security at the luxury village to scout and commit the thefts.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, alongside Pol. Maj. Gen. Chotiwat Luengwilai, commander of the investigation division, announced the arrest of the 33-year-old suspect. Mr. Khomkrit was apprehended following an arrest warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court on charges of nighttime theft. Evidence recovered included a blank gun, ammunition, and various stolen items.
The incidents came to light after the Bang Khun Thian Police Station received reports of thefts occurring within a month in a village on Kanlapaphruek Road. Investigations revealed that Mr. Khomkrit, working as a passenger delivery driver, entered and exited the village using a security loophole. He would scout the area before targeting homes, committing theft at the doctor's residence between April 5-9 and later at the deputy police chief's house on April 20.
Further investigation revealed that Mr. Khomkrit resided in Soi Kanlapaphruek 4, close to the crime scenes. Although initial searches did not locate him, police discovered clothing and a vehicle linked to the crimes. The suspect was eventually traced to Ratchaburi Province, where he was arrested alongside his motorcycle.
During questioning, Mr. Khomkrit admitted to the two thefts within the village. Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasin stated that the suspect used his delivery job as a cover to enter and monitor the village. Unclaimed items found during the arrest suggest he may have been involved in additional thefts nearby. Authorities have been instructed to review CCTV footage from April onward to trace the suspect's activities.
Residents in the surrounding area are urged to report any similar incidents to the police. Historical checks revealed that Mr. Khomkrit had been prosecuted for theft twice before, in 2012 and 2014.