Teen crooks prove bad thieves, terrible drivers

Two sly snatchers allegedly targeted a lonesome motorcycle driver on Tuesday in Phnom Penh’s Meachey district as she rode to a nearby market, ripping her necklace from her chest. Alas, the 17-year-old thieves, also on a motorcycle, blundered, running into the victim’s vehicle and flipping their own motorcycle. Nearby villagers chased the bandits down the road. One of the pair was caught and handed over to police while the other is on the run. Kampuchea Thmey

Robbery a mixed bag for thieving simpleton

An imprudent, if conscientious, 24-year-old thief was duped in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district on Monday. Police said one of two men on a moto pilfered a woman’s handbag on Saturday, containing her phone, cash and a folder brimming with documents. However, the victim had a well-connected comrade working with police. The friend called the victim’s stolen phone and persuaded the suspect to return the documents. When he did, police pounced. The other robber is still at large. Kampuchea Thmey

Brutes take to road to hit men, then hit road

Eight brutes brandishing wooden sticks and knives tried to rob two men on a moto in Phnom Penh’s Por Sen Chey district on Saturday, police said. The group of bandits formed a blockade across a road, obstructing the two 25-year-old victims and letting loose in a spasmodic attack. Police quickly intervened, but the suspects slipped away into the dark of night. One victim was seriously injured and sent to hospital. Kampuchea Thmey

Friend falls for the old lend-us-your-moto trick

Two mates from Pursat town have fallen out after one allegedly purloined the other’s moto in Pailin province on Tuesday. Police said the duo were downing alcohol together, when the 28-year-old suspect asked to borrow his friend’s motorcycle to go buy cigarettes. The suspect never returned. Police intervened in the nick of time when they witnessed the man removing the moto’s licence plates. He was arrested and confessed to the crime. Koh Santepheap

Just here for groceries – and your jewellery

A Kampong Speu market stall, teeming with cash and gold jewellery, was targeted by a scheming threesome on Tuesday, police said. A 17-year-old woman, masquerading as a grocery shopper, caught the victim, also 17, off-guard and filched over $3,000 and over 300 grams of gold jewellery. Security guards pursued the suspect, finally catching her. Her two accomplices took off on their moto with about 75 grams of the gilded booty. Koh Santepheap

Translated by Phak Seangly