Gang member whittles away furniture, future

A gang member who had eluded police for two years was finally hauled downtown for questioning in Banteay Meanchey province’s Monkul Borei district yesterday. Police said the suspect, 32, and three other men were involved in a daring raid on a furniture shop two years ago. The suspect had slipped through the fingers of officers as they apprehended his three gang mates and had since been lying low – though not on the stolen furniture – before being arrested yesterday. Nokorwat

Misuse, abuse, bruise: cues to lose the booze?

A young man with a violent urge for the demon drink was so desperate for another drop that he attacked his relatives when they refused to give him money in Kampong Thom province on Monday. Baray district police said the suspect had been boozing with other villagers when he ran out of money to keep quenching his thirst. When two of his married relatives refused to hand over cash to fund his next round, he attacked. The victims suffered injuries to their faces and backs. After being arrested, the suspect confessed that he was drunk and couldn’t control himself. Koh Santepheap

Sinking feeling for boat thief as plan springs leak

Police in Takeo province arrested a 54-year old man with a penchant for water cruises yesterday, accusing him of stealing boats and generators. Police said the man and two accomplices who remain on the run had collu-ded to steal two boats and five generators from other villagers in Angkor Borei district and hid them at the 54-year-old’s home. After a tip-off, police raided the man’s home, where the stolen property was found, and arrested him. Police are searching for the two other suspects, aged 31 and 34. Nokorwat

Will steal moto for food, will also get caught

A 25-year-old who stole a motorbike to sell in order to buy food was arrested in Mondulkiri’s Sen Monorom town on Monday. Police said the owners of the bike, a young couple, filed a loss report on Saturday. Upon arrest, the suspect confessed that he had sold the stolen bike for $100 and spent the money on food. Kampuchea Thmey

Drunk trucker crashes into moto, kills rider

A lorry driver under the influence of alcohol crashed his truck into a motorbike in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district on Monday. Police said the victim, 27, suffered a serious head injury when he was flung 15 metres from his bike and later died at the scene. The lorry driver was arrested and the vehicles were taken to the police station. Nokorwat

Translated by Phak Seangly