Three, as it turns out, is a crowd for phone snatchers, as one was left behind to get beaten on Saturday.

Riding in the capital’s Tonle Bassac commune, the victim was followed by the trio, who tried unsuccessfully to relieve him of his handheld.

Both mopeds fell but when the thieves got up two sped off, leaving the last to feel the wrath of bystanders called by the victim.

Authorities arrived and took the abandoned accomplice to headquarters.

ANN