Banglamung police are warning owners of old pickup trucks to be extra cautious as a vehicle-theft gang operating in the district has already stolen four.
Pol. Col. Chanphat Navarak, superintendent of Banglamung Police Station, said car and motorbike thefts, particularly of top-name bikes, has fallen over the past three months. But a band of thieves is targeting Isuzu Space Cab pickups between five and 15 years old.
Seven vehicles were stolen from November through January. However, from Feb. 1-19, four were taken between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. around Naklua Soi 12 and Naklua Soi 14.
Pol. Col. Chanphat Navarak, superintendent of Banglamung Police Station, is warning owners of old pickup trucks to be extra cautious to prevent theft.
Most stolen vehicles parked on the streets are not locked, owners presumably thinking no one would want old trucks.
Chanphat said that, in fact, the thieves weren’t interested in the entire truck, but only its engine, as it could be sold to farms or overseas.
The police chief said the station has prepared warning leaflets containing information on the vehicles targeted by thieves and guidelines to secure trucks from theft.
Patrols also have been stepped up and if officers find an unlocked truck or motorbike, they will lock its wheels with a tire boot and leave a notice for the owner to contact the station to have it unlocked.
