BURIRAM - Police have arrested a 29-year-old man following a series of thefts targeting fighting cocks, farm produce and household goods in Chaloem Phra Kiat district.
Local police took Anuchit, also known as Ton, into custody from his home in Ban Wan, Ta Pek subdistrict, on Monday morning, executing an arrest warrant issued by Nang Rong Provincial Court. His full name was not released.
His arrest followed reports of repeated thefts from local homes and farms - fighting cocks, bunches of bananas, coconuts, gas cylinders and electrical cables. One victim also reported finding human faeces in her garden after the thief struck. (continues below)
Police said the suspect was asleep when they arrived. He was taken to the station for questioning after the arrest warrant was read to him.
During questioning, Mr Anuchit allegedly admitted taking fighting cocks from the home of Sarawut Wongsak, after police showed him security camera footage. He denied stealing them, saying he had taken the birds to train and test their fighting abilities before returning them.
He said he knew Mr Sarawut and had previously raised fighting cocks with him.
Mr Sarawut told police at least 10 cocks had been taken and that he believed the same person was responsible.
Mr Anuchit denied involvement in the other reported thefts, saying there was no evidence linking him to the missing agricultural produce, gas cylinders or electrical cables. (continues below)
One of the complainants, Kornkaew Kornsakul, 48, said her garden had been targeted three times, and bananas and coconuts taken. She had long had her suspicions who was responsible, but had no proof.
Ms Kornkaew said Mr Anuchit's arrest had eased concerns among local farmers who had become increasingly worried by the thefts, having put a lot time and money into growing their crops. She now planned to install security cameras on her property.
Police laid an initial charge of theft from a dwelling against the suspect.
Investigators were asking that other victims of home theft in the area come forward and provide evidence. The investigation continues.
