Robber Arrests Give Cambodian Vendors Hope

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Written by DAP NEWS -- Saturday, 12 September 2009

A total of 18 robbers have recently been arrested, including robbers of an ACLEDA Bank customer, vendors at Prek Leap jewelry market and other cases, local police said on Saturday.

Phnom Penh Municipality Vice Police Chief Pol Pithey called the arrests “a victory for our police.”

“All our officers netted them and covered everywhere, so we got a positive result.” Two robbers who killed one jewelry vendor at Kandal market were nabbed and identified as Heng Paris and his associate Hun Samnang, he added.

At least 6 robberies have taken place in Phnom Penh over the past two weeks, resulting in the deaths of two jewelry vendors and another seriously injured. Robbers got awat many tens of thousands of dollars, many ounces of gold, as well as other valuable metals, Pol Pithey said.

Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Kep Chuktema instructed all authorities to protect businesses and ensure safety.

Daun Penh District Governor Sok Sambath said that he and staff, together with Cambodian vendors, held a meeting to find a good resolution to the issue.

“All Cambodian vendors expressed hope about the authorities’ measures and said they can manage by themselves in case no security guards are nearby.”

following good cooperation between authorities and vendors, there have been no robberies.

Some of the robbers were arrested three weeks ago making Cambodian vendors happier to run their businesses.

One jewelry vendors said he admired “the struggles and efforts by the local authorities to destroy and arrest robbery teams.”

Some also thanked the local polices.

Pol Pithey added that, “We are searching to arrest others. He said some of the offenders could be involved in drugs trafficking as well.

“We will continue to strengthen security daily,” he vowed. “There will be no more cause for concern for Cambodian vendors.”