Man takes up sword to avenge brother’s beating

A brother's vengeance, a clash of samurai swords – no, not the plot of a new film, just another day in the wild world of the blotter. Police said the Kingdom’s latest bit of swordplay came after an Oddar Meanchey man became enraged when his brother was beaten up on Monday in the province’s Samrong district. After retrieving his blade, he came back to confront the scoundrel, only to find he had a sword of his own. The two went at it, sending villagers scattering and calling out for police. The duo are now nursing minor injuries in a jail cell.  Kampuchea Thmey

Cops bust trio robbing vacationer’s house

An empty house proved too tempting for three knuckleheaded friends in Phnom Penh on Monday. Police said the three would-be burglars, lifelong chums, saw an easy score when they discovered the Meanchey district home’s owner was off to the provinces on holiday. Unfortunately for our Grinch-like thieves, while the house was empty, the street was full – of cops. Police said they pounced after watching the men enter and have sent them to court to mull their sins. Rasmey Kampuchea

Drunk driver injures two on motorbike

Two men sustained serious injuries in the capital on Monday night thanks to a hit and run by a drunk driver. Police said the duo were riding a motorbike in Dangkor district when a speeding moto careened into them, sending them both crashing to the pavement. The drunk dolt immediately fled the scene, leaving police unable to make an arrest. The victims are now recovering in hospital. Rasmey Kampuchea

Man gives friend lift, almost gets bike lifted

Providing no good deed goes unpunished, a trusting chap nearly lost his moto on Tuesday after acquiescing to an acquaintance’s request for a ride. Kampong Cham town police said once the victim had arrived at the quiet spot his passenger had requested, he found himself confronted with a knife. Luckily, cops on the scene saw the unfolding drama and were able to make the arrest before any injuries were sustained. Police have sent the would-be moto thief to court. Koh Santepheap

Two drug den denizens jailed, others on lam

A pair of Phnom Penh pushers are behind bars after a Monday raid in the capital. Police said they swooped in on a Daun Penh district drug den, creating a mad scramble in which two were arrested while others were able to escape. The jailed duo, who were enjoying their wares when the cops pounced, quickly admitted they also sold the stuff. Police are now on the hunt for the others.  Koh Santepheap

Translated by Sen David