A trio of pet-loving purloiners saw a planned robbery quickly go to the dogs yesterday. Police said the threesome, one man and two women, drove from Phnom Penh to Svay Rieng with their eyes on taking down a pet store.

After placing a large order for dog food, the suspects waited until the owner was busy, then emptied the cash register and bolted. Fortunately, the shopkeep saw the manoeuver and shouted for help from market security. KAMPUCHEA THMEY