PHUKET: A Russian couple hauled in for questioning over a spate of robberies at Phuket's Patong beach were allowed to go this evening after a ''sting'' operation.

Beach staff at Patong attempted to pinpoint the thieves who have been active at the beach, stealing the bags of tourists while they take a swim.

The Russian couple were hauled in when they appeared to show unusual interest in a couple of bags on the beach.

The bags had been put out to try to entice the thieves to steal them.

Police were called once the beach staff thought the Russians had taken the bait. But they hadn't taken anything else.

The Russian couple were allowed to go because no real victims could be produced.

Thieves at Phuket's beaches usually fall into two categories:

..Locals who snatch a tourist's bag and flee as fast as they can, sometimes with the help of an accomplice on a waiting motorcycle.

..Thieves posing as tourists who are more subtle and pretend the items are theirs, sometimes getting away without being spotted by anyone.

An increasing number of thefts in the second category has alarmed staff at several famous Phuket beaches because they are usually blamed for the thefts.

Beach staff usually have a vested interest in protecting the belongings of people who pay to use the loungers in their territory on the sand.

A bad reputation means tourists will go elsewhere. However, the more crowded beaches have become the easier it becomes for thieves to strike.

If the Russian couple are responsible for the Patong thefts, they may now decide to move to another Phuket beach, or to Samui or Pattaya.

If the Russian couple are innocent, they may decide to move to another destination - and probably never come back to Phuket.