Police have arrested a woman for stealing a brand-new SUV at a Bangkok mall, where the owner left her unlocked vehicle idling with the air conditioning on for her pet cat while she went to buy coffee.
The 39-year-old suspect was found in the stolen Honda in Lat Phrao district around 10.50pm on Wednesday, ending a nine-hour search. The theft occurred at The Street Ratchada shopping centre in Din Daeng district around 2pm.
Police said that the suspect had difficulty answering police questions. Her mother claimed that her daughter suffered from mental illness and received treatment in Khon Kaen province.
Police said the SUV's owner had left the engine running and the doors unlocked while she entered the mall, although she took the key with her.
Witnesses saw the theft and tried to block the vehicle's escape, resulting in a slight injury to a security guard and a policeman when they were hit. A motorist also attempted to obstruct the fleeing vehicle but was hit.
During the arrest, police found the pet cat hiding under a car seat.
