ERSATZ MONK ROBS REAL ONE: POLICE

Authorities in Kampot province have arrested a 17-year-old dressed as a monk after he was accused of stealing cash and a mobile phone from an older monk Thursday. Police said the theft happened after a Buddhist ceremony. The 68-year-old victim said he lost his phone and more than US$100. The accused man allegedly confessed to the theft, telling investigators that he shared his loot with other monks. However, district police said they did not find an ID card on the accused man, leading them to conclude that he was in fact a “fake monk”.

KOH SANTEPHEAP

ALLEGED CHOP SHOP THIEF STOPPED

A 26-year-old man is facing charges in Siem Reap town after he was accused of stealing a man’s motorbike and stripping it for parts. The motorbike’s owner said he lent his vehicle to the accused, who he believed would go for a ride to fetch some booze for a drinking session. Instead, the man fled on the motorcycle. After being caught by police, the man confessed to having stolen the motorbike. Some parts from the vehicle were removed and sold, police said.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

FOUR MEN A STONE'S THROW FROM JAIL

Police in Oddar Meanchey arrested four men and sent them to court after they were accused of pelting two innocent motorists with stones. The victims complained that the men hurled stones at them while they were minding their own business riding a motorbike down the street. Police say the four accused men confessed to the crime, explaining their actions by saying they were “completely drunk”.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

MAN GETS HAMMERED AFTER FAMILY AFFAIR

A 27-year-old man in Banteay Meanchey province was hospitalised after his 18-year-old sister-in-law allegedly bashed him in the head with a hammer Saturday, police said. The assault was sparked by a dispute between the man and his wife. Police said the man asked his wife for money. The discussion tumbled into a row when she refused, however. The sister-in-law intervened, allegedly striking the man with a hammer. The man’s sister-in-law was questioned by police but later released.

DEUM AMPIL