PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 19-year-old security guard was arrested at a paper factory in Bang Lamung district after being accused of stealing more than 120 steel parts from an industrial boiler.
Arrest on factory grounds
According to Bang Lamung police, the suspect was identified as Phatchara Kritdee, 19, who worked as a night guard at Jin Jong Fa Paper Industry Co., Ltd. in Takhian Tia, subdistrict Takhian Tia, house number 149, Moo 2. The factory operator had previously filed a theft complaint, and CCTV footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed the perpetrator clearly in the act, revealing that he was a member of the facility’s own security staff.
Special investigation team deployed
The head of Bang Lamung Police Station, Police Colonel Sarawut Nuchanart, assigned a special investigation team to the case. The inquiry was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Yongyuth Wanneua and Pol. Lt. Col. Wutthiphong Kasa, who followed up on information provided in the factory’s complaint.
121 steel parts and other items seized
Officers eventually detained the 19-year-old on the factory premises and said they seized several pieces of evidence, including a total of 121 steel boiler components. Items recovered also included a fertilizer sack allegedly used to transport the metal parts and a security company uniform shirt said to have been worn during the theft.
Alleged use of motorcycle in the theft
Police further listed a pair of black long trousers, also part of the clothing allegedly worn, among the evidence. A white and red Honda Wave 110 motorcycle was seized as well, which, according to officers, was used to remove the steel components from the site.
Charges of night-time theft in a workplace
The security guard faced accusations of committing night-time theft in a business building and of using a vehicle to carry out the offence and transport the alleged haul, offences that typically carry significantly higher penalties than simple theft. After the arrest, investigators brought the suspect and all seized items to Banglamung Police Station, where further legal steps were to be prepared and the exact course of the alleged theft reconstructed.
Role of CCTV in industrial crime cases
A police spokesperson highlighted the growing importance of video surveillance in industrial facilities.
“The images led us to the suspect very quickly in this case.”
said unnamed investigators, according to police circles.