Crimes come home to roost for Kampot man

Police apprehended a 33-year-old habitual chicken robber from Kampot’s Banteay Meas district on Saturday for a crime dating several months back. They alleged the man swiped his fellow villagers’ prized poultry on June 23, yet he flew the coop when the local court issued a warrant for his arrest last month. The man returned to the village last week and was arrested, confessing to the crime and admitting he had been imprisoned for the same fowl play several times before. He is facing trial again. Koh Santepheap

Moto thieves crash and burn in escape attempt

A sceming pair of robbers’ attempt to skedaddle soured on Tuesday as they crashed their motorcycle mere metres from a Tuol Kork crime scene. Police allege a 24-year-old Phnom Penh man pilfered an 18-year-old university student’s purse as she strolled down the street, fleeing with another suspect, yet the duo bumped into another vehicle and flipped the scooter. Police were quick on the scene and arrested the pair, sending them to court and returning the purse, an iPhone and US$10 to the damsel in distress. Kampuchea Thmey

Party ends on decidedly down note after murder

Revellers left a Kampong Chhang party with a sour taste in their mouths on Monday after a fellow roisterer was hacked to death by a posse of thugs. Police said the man was enjoying a tipple at the Kampong Tralach district shindig, but as he left was brutally attacked in the head, neck and back with an axe. He was found at 10:45pm by witnesses in a pool of blood. Police suspect the crime was a revenge murder. Kampuchea Thmey

Godmother drops dime after own moto pilfered

A suspected 25-year-old motorcycle thief was arrested on Sunday after allegedly filching two scooters in Kratie’s Chhloung district. The suspect allegedly poached and pawned the bikes on August 28, fleeing and seeking refuge in his godmother’s house. According to police, he was a dope-head, who squandered the coin on drugs, then stole his patroness’ moto and hocked it at another local market.  Alas, the miffed godmother reported the crime and police soon swooped on the suspect. Koh Santepheap

Drug addict disarmed, held by helpful crowd

A knife-wielding 27-year-old man was held down by a group of villagers on Monday in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district after he threatened a 53-year-old woman, demanding her cash. The victim yelped for help, and a throng of neighbours appeared on the scene, pouncing on the punk and handing him over to police. Police established the suspect was a drug-addict on the prowl for his next fix. Rasmei Kampuchea

Translated by Phak Seangly