Phnom Penh Municipality has announced plans to clamp down on petty crime at Wat Phnom for the safety of tourists by having the area monitored by police 24 hours a day. The plan was announced on Wednesday in a meeting between Deputy Governor Mann Chhoeun and city officials. “We want to have full security around Wat Phnom, so a 24-hour police force will be patrolling the area,” Mann Chhoeun said on Thursday. The plan comes ahead of New Year’s Eve, when city officials hope to attract more tourists. Municipal Police Chief Touch Naruth said: “We are focusing on Wat Phnom first, and then after the Boeung Kak area. These places are well known for drug use and sex workers.”