Phone snatching in Phnom Penh

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PaulR1205 Active member

Member since 17 May 2022

PaulR1205Active member25 May 2022 13:59:25

Hey guys I have a question. I was researching Cambodia and it was saying how there’s some phone snatching going on there. It really didn’t pen point a main area but I’m guessing Phnom Penh. Is phone snatching actually running rampant there and if so, what do you guys do to combat it? Also, if you happen to catch the guy before he does it and you hit him, will they take you to jail?

Hannostamm Active member

Member since 02 August 2016

HannostammActive member26 May 2022 00:45:00

Phone snatching is pretty common in Phnom Penh. I never used the phone on the street; if I have to use it, I duck into a shop or restaurant. You are unlikely to catch the perp and I wouldn't even try; he might carry a knife or a gun and no phone is worth getting killed for. Thieves to get caught and often beaten up but, as a foreigner, I would never get involved.

hdgh29 Serial expat

Member since 13 November 2010

hdgh29Serial expat26 May 2022 07:06:38

318

I am sure it goes on, just like in any big city, and like any big city you can get your pocket picked, wallet stolen, whatever. Its a world problem, not a Cambodia problem. As long as you take precautions and look after your possessions there is no danger. Siem Reap seems to have less crime like that, I have been in bars where someone has left a phone or a handbag on the table while they go to the toilet and its there when they come back.

Avoid any direct physical conflict with a local. In any argument, you will always be in the wrong, a crowd will gather and take side against you, its just their culture to look after their own.

The ratbags are everywhere, fortunately they are outnumbered by the good people.

PaulR1205 Active member

Member since 17 May 2022

PaulR1205Active member26 May 2022 09:24:46

@hdgh29 Thanks for that info.

acmta9064 Member

Member since 04 October 2021

acmta9064Member27 May 2022 00:03:55

My girlfriend is Cambodian and living in phnom penh she was riding her motorcycle slowly and got rob of her phone but the worst was that she fell off the motorcycle and stayed in the hospital for 3 weeks.

JoeKhmer Cambodia expert

Member since 13 November 2015

JoeKhmerCambodia expert27 May 2022 08:26:10

2169

@survivor1206

As has been mentioned crime is a worldwide problem and you as a US citizen know very well that it's not safe in many cities to show off your fancy phone, large goldchain, loads of money in your wallet or pocket.

One can partially prevent snatching by being careful. As another post here shows it's not safe to drive a bike or motorbike with a phone in your hand, also walking and holding a phone in front of you is asking for trouble.

When walking choose the left sidewalk so you can see traffic coming towards you. Keep handbag, backpack, camera on your left side, furthest away from the street.

Last but not least there are periods that crime is more prevalent, that's when poor people want to have money to celebrate any of the national holidays, like one of the 3 New Year events, Waterfestival, Pchum Ben, so be even more careful a few weeks before those events.

Indeed, never get involved in a brawl with locals, you always lose.

Cheers

Joe

PaulR1205 Active member

Member since 17 May 2022

PaulR1205Active member27 May 2022 09:51:07

@acmta9064 Damn, sorry to hear that!

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