NAKHON RATCHASIMA - A motorcycle theft gang scouting for victims took advantage of an intoxicated rider by offering him a lift home before stealing his bike and fleeing the scene, authorities said on Thursday.
The details emerged following the arrest of two suspects wanted on warrants linked to a series of motorcycle thefts across the northeastern province.
Investigators from the Pho Klang police station and provincial police arrested Nopparat Khopmuangpak, 30, and Wichitchai Phonkhoraburi, 25, at residences in Wang Nam Khieo district on June 13.
Police seized the pickup truck allegedly used in the crimes, burglary tools and numerous dismantled motorcycle parts.
Investigators believe the pair were part of a larger theft ring responsible for stealing multiple motorcycles and smuggling them across the border for sale in Cambodia.
CCTV footage released on Thursday showed one of several incidents that police said were linked to the gang. It was recorded at 2.25am on Feb 27 this year.
Pho Klang police said the victim, a school teacher, was seen leaving a restaurant while apparently intoxicated, and then falling from his motorcycle near Mittraphap Soi 13.
After receiving assistance from passers-by and rescue workers, he accepted a lift to his home from a man in a pickup truck. His motorcycle was later found to be missing.
Investigators determined that the pickup truck, which had been circling the area without licence plates, was used in the theft. Police are pursuing additional arrests.
