CHIANG RAI – In a swift response to a local crime, police in Chiang Rai arrested a 55-year-old man on June 21, 2026. The suspect was caught stealing vital copper wire and a lightning rod from a village water supply. This bold theft left the local community very worried about their water system’s safety and reliability.
The frustrating incident took place at the Pa Hiang village water facility in the Sanklang sub-district. Village elders quickly noticed the missing equipment early in the morning and reported it to authorities. Local police officers used security cameras to track the suspect down within just a few hours.
Key Takeaways
- Police arrested a 55-year-old man named Mr. April for stealing a village lightning rod and copper wire.
- The crime occurred at the Pa Hiang village water system in the Phan district of Chiang Rai province.
- Officers tracked the suspect’s gray sedan using CCTV footage provided by the local village elders.
- The suspect faces serious charges of nighttime theft while using a vehicle to commit a crime.
The detailed investigation was led by Pol. Wichai Chai Inkham, the commander of the Phan sub-division. He worked closely alongside Deputy Commander Pol. Chiva Yaatwom and General Atsiwat Innanchai to solve the case. Their dedicated team immediately reviewed local CCTV footage to find the suspect’s getaway vehicle.
The security cameras clearly showed a gray sedan leaving the crime scene in the dark. Officers followed the digital trail all the way to the Ban Pa Fai area in Phan city. They set up a quick blockade and successfully stopped the suspect’s car without any major issues.
Stolen Goods Recovered During Arrest
Inside the vehicle, police found the suspect, identified only as a 55-year-old Mr. April from Chaiyaphum. They searched the car thoroughly and uncovered a large amount of stolen property. The gathered evidence clearly linked him to the early morning theft at the rural water facility.
Officers safely seized the stolen copper wires and the important village lightning rod. They also found wire cutters, heavy knives, cell phones, and leftover wire shells inside the car. These specific tools showed that the crime was planned and carried out very carefully.
During the arrest, Mr. April fully confessed to his role in the crime. He openly admitted that he stole the lightning rod and the valuable copper wire from the village. The police quickly secured all the stolen goods so they could safely return them to the community.
Authorities have officially charged him with “theft at night using a vehicle for the convenience of committing a crime.” The local police transferred him to special investigators for formal legal action and a future court date. This quick arrest brings peace of mind to the concerned residents of Pa Hiang village. According to Local News 2010, metal theft remains an ongoing issue in many rural areas.
The police praised the village elders for their fast reporting of the crime. Quick action from the community is often the best way to stop local thieves. Officers are now increasing patrols around public utilities to prevent this from happening again.
Protecting local infrastructure is a top priority for the Phan district police force. They urge residents to report any suspicious activities near village water tanks or power lines. Keeping the community safe requires everyone to work together and stay alert.
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