That most tired of Phnom Penh tropes, the sleeping security guard, reared its ugly head once again on Tuesday.

Police said workers at a local company had left their bikes unlocked outside the office.

Sadly, the need for a snooze predictably overwhelmed the guard’s watchful instincts, giving an opening to a pair of bicycle thieves.

Roused by the theft in progress, the guard managed to pursue the two villains on his moto and ultimately managed to detain one, saving the bike . . . and some of his reputation. KOH SANTEPHEAP