Three thieves evidently didn’t anticipate such a vocal victim as they tried stealing his motorbike in the capital’s Daun Penh district on Monday, but were given a beating.

The ride was parked in front of a restaurant when the crew pulled up and started driving it away.

The owner noticed, however, and rallied bystanders to chase down the culprits and – in keeping with tradition – dole out a beating.

One burglar escaped but two were handed over to Military Police for questioning.

Koh Santepheap