Even a police officer knew the power of summoning a capital mob when a thief tried stealing his motorbike while he was asleep yesterday.

Returning home to Tuol Kork district after a day on patrol, the lawman laid down for a nap near his ride.

When he woke, however, he saw someone walking it away and shouted out for help from the neighbours.

Sure enough, the suspect was cornered by bystanders and handed over to on-duty officers while the scooter was parked back in its proper place.

Nokorwat