BANGKOK, 25 April 2013 Police in Nonthaburi have arrested a taxi driver who has repeatedly robbed passengers of their belongings by tricking them to help him push the car, before speeding away.
Provincial Police Region 1 Commissioner Naret Nanthachoti announced the arrest of 57-year-old Wanlop Uthong, who lived at a motel in Suphanburi province. A search of his the suspect’s room discovered many travel suitcases, handbags, wallets and jewelry that had been stolen from passengers. A Pomeranian dog stolen in the same manner was also found in the room.
According to the police, the taxi driver tricked his victims by faking that the car had broken down, then asked his passenger to push the car while he steered it to the side of the road. Once the passenger got out and started pushing, he would speed away with the passenger’s belongings left on the taxi.
Mr. Wanlop confessed to having robbed passengers in this manner at least 10 times, saying he spent the money on gambling and night life.
The owner of the roughly 4-month-old Pomeranian is encouraged to contact police to retrieve the dog. Passengers who have fallen victim to the driver are also encouraged to contact police to identify their stolen belongings.
