(PR301/24)
Four Italian youths, who allegedly form part of an organised crime group, were arrested during a joint operation between various sections of the Police force, in connection with a series of thefts, known as “snatch and grab” of jewellery from persons in entertainment establishments.
Last Saturday, the Police were informed almost simultaneously that assistance was needed in entertainment establishments in Zebbug and St Julian’s. The Police immediately went to the scene where two youths were immediately arrested in Zebbug, while two other youths were arrested in St Julian’s shortly afterwards.
From investigations carried out between specialised police sections and districts, resulted that these youths are visiting entertainment establishments where there is a crowd. While dancing with people, they grasp and pull necklaces from the neck of the victims and escape among the crowd.
The four arrested persons are aged 16, 18, 21 and 24 and live in Italy. They were arraigned in Court on Sunday before Magistrate Dr Nadia-Helena Vella LL.D.
Two of them – aged 24 and 21 – admitted to the charges and were sentenced to nine months in prison and 12 months in prison, respectively, while the 16 and 18 year old pleaded not guilty andwere detained under preventive arrest.