A Phnom Penh student learned crime doesn’t pay, the hard way, yesterday.

Given $10 and sent on an errand to buy a pair of jeans, the 17-year-old became nervous when she lost her friend’s cash.

She decided to steal the trousers, but was caught by a hawkeyed vendor who notified Stung Meanchey commune police.

No formal charges were laid, and after a document was signed swearing never to steal again, the student was sent on her way.

Koh Santepheap