A cold-footed cattle rustler in Svay Rieng must have feared his bovine booty a bit too conspicuous after leading them away in the dead of night on Sunday.

Police were called to the scene of the night-time burglary of six buffaloes after a complaint was filed by the owner, who pointed out the empty paddock and tracks leading away.

After following the trail police located the buffaloes abandoned in a nearby paddy. No suspects could be found and the livestock were returned to their rightful home.

DAP