The Battambang Provincial Court has placed a Thai national in pre-trial detention for breaking into two homes in Ratanak Mondol and Banan districts.

Court spokesman Chea Chanreaksmey said Thavy Nong Nuth, 46, has been charged with aggravated theft.

“Investigating Judge Nuth Somaris ordered his detention ... under articles 353 and 357 of the Criminal Code,” she said.

The accused faces three to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

Minor crimes bureau chief Chhoeung Kimsong said provincial police chief Sat Kimsan had received information from Thailand that the man had also committed offences there.

He added that the arrest was made after two residents filed complaints with district police, accusing him of breaking into their homes and stealing their property. The complainants were Chhom Sam Ath, 52, a resident of Ta Kruk village in Ratanak Mondol district’s Treng commune, who was robbed on April 19; and San Sokha, 40, of Kor village in Banan district’s Snoeng commune, who was robbed on May 5.

The man was arrested on May 13 in Treng commune’s Phcheav village.

The stolen goods from the first house included gold, necklaces, and platinum bangles and rings, worth more than $3,000. The haul from the second home included a gold necklace, a gold bracelet and a ring, valued at over $1,300.