bangkokpost.com wrote:New police war on motorcycle theft

Udon Thani police have declared war on motorcycle theft after almost 500 motorbikes were stolen in the northeastern province in the past seven months.

Chawit Srichan, chief of Muang Udon Thani police, announced the massive crackdown yesterday after officers arrested members of a suspected motorcycle theft gang and seized five stolen bikes.

It was the third gang arrested by Muang Udon Thani police this year, he said.

"Major gangs have already been nabbed, but more motorcycles have gone missing," Pol Col Chawit said. "It's time for us to wage war against motorcycle theft."

The officer said stolen bikes were usually modified and sold to street racers. Many of the bikes were smuggled to neighbouring countries.

Udon Thani police have asked for the setting up of checkpoints in nearby districts to catch the thieves, he said.

Hesterbee wrote:hasn't UTH always had a stolen motorbike problem (as any big city in Thailand I s'pose)?