The gangs typical work at night, targeting apartment blocks where clusters of dozens of motorbike are parked.

Gangs of youths are stealing unprecedented numbers of motorbikes and cars from locals and visitors alike. One such gang of bike thieves was recently caught by local police, shedding light on the growing problem that has Chiang Mai residents concerned.
The gang of seven teens between the ages of 16 and 20, along with their 19 year-old leader, were arrested and confessed to stealing more than 50 motorbikes in recent weeks. The leader also told police that at least four other gangs were stealing motorbikes and cars in Chiang Mai and the surrounding province.
According to Deputy Commander of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, Pol Col Panudej Boonrueang, “motorcycle thieves work for a syndicate. They steal motorcycles and others are hired to ride them to border areas. Other gang members contact buyers in neighbouring countries to pick up the goods. A major motorcycle theft syndicate will send stolen motorcycles to neighbouring countries at a cost of less than 10,000 baht each.”The gangs typical work at night, targeting apartment blocks where clusters of dozens of motorbike are parked. The thieves put the motorbikes in a pick-up truck and simply drive away. It doesn’t matter if the bikes are locked or not. Police believe that more than 400 bikes have been stolen over the past three months. That adds to around four bikes per day.