Moto thief fails to stay on task, winds up in jail

A Kandal moto thief proved a determined criminal on Monday when even the appearance of police failed to deter him from the beating he was administering. Police say the brazen 29-year-old stole a motorbike from in front of a Sa’ang district home when the victim emerged to confront him, only to catch a beating for his troubles – a beating that didn’t stop until police were forced to physically drag the thug off his victim. The violent hothead is now cooling off in a jail cell.  Kampuchea Thmey

Students swing samurai swords in skirmish

A group of 10 students put down their books and picked up their samurai swords on Monday for a small-scale war in Siem Reap. Police said the young ne’er-do-wells, who had fought it out before, started with typical smack talk before reaching for their swords and battling in a public street. The group scattered when cops arrived, but three were apprehended and have been sent to court. Koh Santepheap

Burglary bungled when cops arrive on the scene

A homeowner's holiday visit to the provinces meant tempting opportunity for a trio of burglars in the capital’s Sen Sok district this week. Unfortunately for our three knuckleheads, the easy score proved illusory as local cops on patrol spotted them mid-break-in and swooped in on the scene. A short foot chase later, the threesome were in cuffs and confessing to their scheme.  Rasmey Kampuchea

Thieves miss out on necklace, and balance

A would-be victim of necklace snatching came out no worse for wear on Sunday after a hapless attempt to steal her jewellery. Cops said she was riding her moto in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district when a pair of goons drove by and attempted to rip the necklace off her neck. Luckily for her, it was the clumsy criminals that ended up tumbling from their moto and sent sprawling into the street. Panicked, the duo fled and are now being sought by police. Koh Santepheap

Young pedestrian badly hurt after moto hits her

A teenge girl was seriously injured in Pursat town this week after a moto crashed into her while she was riding her bicycle. Police said the 15-year-old was on her way to school when the suspect, who witnesses say was speeding out of control, crashed into her, then fled the scene. The victim is now being treated in hospital, while police are on the hunt for the escaped suspect. Kampuchea Thmey

Translated by Sen David