The Criminal Investigation Bureau yesterday arrested a thief and drug addict who began life in a rich family, but ended up homeless — earning a living by stealing metal barrels used to burn paper money.
Liao Tsung-shan (廖宗山), head of the bureau’s Eighth Division, said police earlier this month started receiving complaints and reports that a man was stealing metal barrels used to burn paper money during religious worship in Sinjhuang City (新莊市), Taipei County.
Police identified the man, surnamed Yang (楊), through community security tapes, located him and arrested him when he was about to steal again on Sunday night.
Liao said Yang became addicted to drugs in junior high school and was forced to leave home by his father. Yang then became homeless and has been a regular in prison ever since.
Liao said Yang stole metal barrels and sold them as scrap metal for NT$45 per kilogram. Yang said he had stolen so many barrels that he could not remember the exact number.
“A rich man’s kid became a drug addict, a homeless person and a thief. This is more like a social problem than a crime case,” Liao said.
Liao said Yang was sent to Banciao District Prosecutors’ Office for further interviews on theft charges.
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