Songkhla police have set up a temporary command centre in Hat Yai’s Kor Hong Police Station, as reports of missing or stolen property have increased since the floodwaters began to recede.
Local residents returning to clean their homes have discovered belongings missing, said Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor, deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police.
Siriwat did not reveal the numbers, but warned that theft in disaster-affected areas carries harsher penalties of one to five years in prison and fines of up to 100,000 baht.
Region 9 Provincial Police are leading crime-prevention operations, supported by officers from neighbouring provinces, the Border Patrol Police, the Tourist Police and the Central Investigation Bureau.
Police are conducting 24-hour patrols by motorcycle and car, especially in Zone 8, while also distributing food, drinking water and other essential supplies to affected residents.
Officers are assisting the elderly and the infirm who require relocation or medical attention and are helping communities clean and restore their homes, while working to ease traffic congestion in flood-hit areas.
