ARMED MEN ROB, ATTACK FAMILY

A group of seven men equipped with AK-47 rifles and an ax robbed a family of four in Prasat village, Banteay Meanchey province Monday, leaving Pich Saly, 16, with a severe wound to the head. Police say the robbers shot five times in the air to scare the family and took US$1,000 in cash, two platinum rings and two pairs of earrings before attacking Pich Saly. After an investigation, suspect Heng Chivoan, 36, from the same commune was arrested but denied any involvement in the robbery. KOH SANTEPHEAP

TEN ARRESTED IN BETTING-RING RAID

A football betting ring operating out of a flat in Siem Reap province was raided on Wednesday, leading to on-the-spot arrests of 10 people. Equipment such as computers and printers were also seized, said Om Mara, deputy governor of Siem Reap, who led the raid. He said the "boss" of the ring had already fled the scene.

KOH SANTEPHEAP

SLEEPING POLICE OFFICER ROBBED

Te Chhruy, 25, was arrested on Monday for stealing a pistol, a radio transmitter, five mobile phones and US$100 from Samrith Virak, the deputy police chief of Mok Kampol district, Kandal province, while he was sleeping. Only the pistol was found on the suspect when police caught him, and police believe the rest of the stolen possessions were sold. The suspect also lives in Mok Kampol district.

KOH SANTEPHEAP

MAN CAUGHT WITH ILLEGAL TIMBER

A Toyota Camry transporting illegally logged timber from Pailin province to Kratie province was intercepted in Battambang on Wednesday. The driver, Thu Leng, 49, was arrested for being in possession of 8 pieces of wood. The suspect confessed to police that he had bought the wood illegally for US$100 to make furniture. Police said the man would be sent to court and the wood and car kept as evidence.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

MAN HANGS SELF WHILE IN DETENTION

A worker from a rubber plantation in Kampong Cham province hanged himself Tuesday while being detained at a police station in Stung Treng district. Police said Naing Mab, 36, had been arrested for destroying 36 bowls that had been used to collect resin from the Boeung Ket rubber plantation where he worked. The police had detained him only to teach him a lesson but after one night, he had killed himself.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA