Don’s Mall robbed

[ATMwalking]

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.

Phuket Gazette - online English newspaper for Phuket, Thailand, with daily news, classified ads, yellow pages, business listings, upcoming events, event calendar, phuket events

This is a surprising and ballsy move by these kids. Don's is high profile. Seems like the gangs are getting too confident.

[K2]

Certainly seems things are getting out of control in Rawai - its a pity, since its a nice part of the island.

[Nicke]

Gazette reported few weeks back that police is understaffed with about 600 people, they want a force of 1600 (1500?) police men but only have 1050 now. Bankok deny Phuket's requests based on official numbers of registered people living here.

Plus 10% of the force want to be transferred out of Phuket.

I hope police can get the numbers they want, if things are going out of hand now.

[LivinLOS]

I think its less to do with police numbers and ore to do with the attitude of crime solving and how they are rewarded.. Basically unless theres financial motive little if anything happens.

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Nicke

Gazette reported few weeks back that police is understaffed with about 600 people, they want a force of 1600 (1500?) police men but only have 1050 now. Bankok deny Phuket's requests based on official numbers of registered people living here.

Seems to be a constant problem. Look at the 300K official residents. Ignore the 300K transient residents and 5 million tourists.

I'd wish they'd look at Phuket's full contribution towards national GDP, then set the budget. Then we really would have underpass tunnels lined with pearls.

[Sparkle]

Big call by these guys going for Dons, Sai Yuan is not the quietest street around (though most streets in Rawai are quiet) and Don's is a prominent place. I live on the eastern side of Rawai, and i have not seen anything that makes me feel uncomfortable at all, but reading about break ins and muggings within 2mins from home has me being a bit more aware.......Kamala is sounding like a safe little haven compared to Rawai......was up there last night at a party, seemed nice....maybe its time for a move north.

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Sparkle

Big call by these guys going for Dons, Sai Yuan is not the quietest street around (though most streets in Rawai are quiet) and Don's is a prominent place. I live on the eastern side of Rawai, and i have not seen anything that makes me feel uncomfortable at all, but reading about break ins and muggings within 2mins from home has me being a bit more aware.......Kamala is sounding like a safe little haven compared to Rawai......was up there last night at a party, seemed nice....maybe its time for a move north.

There was a burglar crawling around the outside of my neighbours house last night about 2 am. Luckily they saw and confronted the WOMAN. The thai neighbor said "who are you? what do you want" to which the burglar replied "I am the face of a ghost", then ran/floated off over the back wall.

There was a thread about kamala having similar issues a few months ago.

I think the said truth is this type of crime is spreading and becoming more common. Thing is, we are just before high season really kicks in. So we will have to see if it quiets down.

I think the only thing you can do is get into a guarded compound and install a good home security system. Of course you could also bar up the doors and windows, but I personally don't want to live in something that feels a jail cell.

[midnightsun1]

Another sad story that seems to be common thing on the island. Makes you wonder how many others don't even get reported.

Only been there once. Last Christmas to get a pre cooked turkey. Which was excellent. Met Don was a very nice gentleman and looked to be very giving and caring back to the Thais as well. Was planning to go over there very soon for his buffet. Just waiting for the constant rain to quit. A very nice place he has. Only hope the police make the effort to catch these guys and start making examples out of them that this activity is not going to be tolerated.

I personally giving real consideration why I should stay here. Its not the Thailand that I have come to known in the few short years I have been here.

If the police are really that short of officers and lack of wanting to do anything. Some sort of possible tax that is be specifically used to hire more well compentent and trained police to deal with these issues. Sounds good but I know in the long run the money will only be used in the corruptive system that already exists.

[Crustasian]

I am surprised that Don's place does not have a night watchman.It is a big enough enterprise.

This does not excuse the theives actions but at the end of the day it is deterence that keeps thieves at bay.

In my own case I have a few dogs around the house and they ensure no uninvited guests.