Fighters hold grudge borne of shoe smudge

A scuffed shoe led to a big to-do in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district on Sunday. According to police, two groups of rival “gangsters” were partying in the club when one stepped on another’s shoe. Needless to say, the besmirching of the offended party’s honour – and shoe – necessitated that the modern-day Montagues and Capulets step outside to join in fisticuffs with one another. However, police arrived before the matter was settled, and arrested four of the gangsters. Deum Ampil

Raid uncovers ongoing drug-dealing operation

Police in Pailin town busted a mom-and-pop business of the slightly shady variety on Monday. After receiving numerous complaints from residents about a local couple, police opened an investigation into the pair, eventually raiding their home and confiscating 10 drug tablets and a plethora of paraphernalia. According to the complaints, the suspected duo had been in the drug game for quite some time, an accusation to which the pair reportedly confessed. Koh Santepheap

Fire of drink becomes more than metaphor

A roaring-drunnk Pursat man decided to start a roaring fire after an argument with his wife and mother-in-law on Wednesday in Kandieng district. Police said the man had come home three sheets to the wind, and in a fighting mood. After a verbal spat, the lit lout grabbed a light and tried to set fire to his own home. Luckily, his neighbours were on hand to put a damper on the situation, snuffing the flames almost immediately. The man attempted to flee, but was scooped up by authorities. Koh Santepheap

Necklace thieves pull victim off motorbike

Two thieves with little regard for others’ safety – or their own surroundings – were busted after stealing a necklace in plain view of police in Battambang on Tuesday. Police said the pilfering pair had zipped up to a young woman driving a motorbike and snagged her necklace, causing her injuries as she toppled into the street. The two tried to escape but hadn’t counted on the police who watched the whole heist transpire. Cops chased the chumps, who tried to make a last-ditch escape into a house, and ultimately apprehended them. Rasmey Kampuchea

Mean streets of capital target college student

A 22-year-old student learned that no one is safe from Phnom Penh street thieves while walking through the capital’s Chamkarmon district on Monday. According to police, the young woman was on her way home from school when two ruffians rushed her, brandishing a knife. The miscreants snatched her bag and phone before escaping. They remain at large. Deum Ampil

Translated by Sen David