PHUKET CRIME

Saturday, November 3, 2007
Don’s Mall robbed

RAWAI: A gang of seven teenagers, six of them masked, tore off the doors to Don’s Mall Minimart at 4 am yesterday, making off with computers and money from cash registers.
Don Battles, founder of the Rawai landmark mall, told the Gazette, “This was a well-planned teenage gang. Six broke into the minimart while one was the lookout. They then broke into the butcher’s shop. They stole computers and till float [money].”
The amount stolen has yet to be determined.
“Chalong police are being very helpful and doing a thorough investigation. I believe the police are doing the best they can,” Mr Battles said today.
“After speaking with other residents, reading the papers and talking to the police, the crime problem in Phuket seems to be rampant and out of control, which will discourage tourists from coming to Phuket immensely unless this can be brought under control.
“I was told by the Superintendent of Chalong Police Station three years ago that they are short about 100 officers. I hope they can increase their staff and bring this under control before it does too much damage,” he said.
Mr Battles added that he will install steel roll-up doors to stop further break-ins. “It is expensive, but necessary,” he said.

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