Masked fighters flee in face of reinforcements

A group of masked ruffians broke into a house in Prey Veng’s Kampong Trabet district on Sunday spoiling for a fight, only to find their would-be opponent spoiling their plans by shouting to the neighbours for help. With the odds looking a little more even, the cowardly ne’er-do-wells quickly beat a hasty retreat, and all managed to escape. Police are investigating the case. Deum Ampil

Arrested weapon owners gunning for light charge

Triggered by a complaint filed by a neighbour, police raided the house of three gun-toters in Stung Treng on Saturday and confiscated their illegal weapon. The trio attempted to explain away the matter, saying they hadn’t intended to shoot anybody with the gun, and that they only used it to hunt wild animals. Police informed them that was illegal, too, and sent them to court. Koh Santepheap

Thief leaves a mess, and a trail back to him

A market vendor in Pursat province’s Bakan district arrived at her stall on Sunday morning to find a burglar had broken in the night before and hadn’t even cleaned up after himself. After sorting through the mess and identifying the missing items, the woebegone businesswoman filed a complaint to police, who caught the suspect trying to sell the stolen goods. The not-so-stealthy thief was sent to court. Koh Santepheap

Addict feels one with neighbour’s wallet

Whether his drug-addled state made him forget the difference between his property and another’s, or whether he didn’t care because he needed his fix, a 32-year-old man ended up using his neighbour’s money to buy drugs in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district on Saturday. Police said after receiving a complaint from the neighbour, they caught the man spending the stolen money to stock up and arrested him. The man confessed and was sent to court. Kampuchea Thmey

Thieves share a ride to snatch bag - and to court

A couple of thieves atop a moto had just snatched a pedestrian’s bag when they themselves were snagged by police in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district on Sunday. Police said their victim was leaving the market when the two whizzed by and grabbed it, catching the notice of local cops, who gave chase. The pair confessed to repeated purse-snatching and were sent to court. The bag was returned to its owner. Kampuchea Thmey

Translated by Sen David