The accused robbers (Photo: Samnang, Koh Santepheap newspaper)DPA
Eleven men and two women were arrested and charged them with running an organized bag-snatching ring targeting tourists at the Angkor Wat temple complex, police said Wednesday.
Minor Crime Bureau Police Chief Phuen Akroun said the operation had taken nearly two weeks and came after complaints from both Cambodian and foreign victims.
"They were riding motorbikes and pulling bags from people, then passing them to a second group on another motorbike if someone chased them," Akroun said by telephone.
"Some victims were pulled from the bike in the robbery and could have been injured," the chief added. "This sort of behaviour destroys the reputation of the temples."
He said the accused, aged 20 to 24, had been remanded in custody and would face court on robbery charges. The offence carries a five-year jail term. Drugs appeared to have been a motivating factor, he added.
The Angkor Wat temple complex, comprised of ninth- to 12th-century monuments, is the country's premier tourist draw. It lies just outside the northern city of Siem Reap, about 300 kilometres from Phnom Penh.
Minor Crime Bureau Police Chief Phuen Akroun said the operation had taken nearly two weeks and came after complaints from both Cambodian and foreign victims.
"They were riding motorbikes and pulling bags from people, then passing them to a second group on another motorbike if someone chased them," Akroun said by telephone.
"Some victims were pulled from the bike in the robbery and could have been injured," the chief added. "This sort of behaviour destroys the reputation of the temples."
He said the accused, aged 20 to 24, had been remanded in custody and would face court on robbery charges. The offence carries a five-year jail term. Drugs appeared to have been a motivating factor, he added.
The Angkor Wat temple complex, comprised of ninth- to 12th-century monuments, is the country's premier tourist draw. It lies just outside the northern city of Siem Reap, about 300 kilometres from Phnom Penh.
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