Two accused of string of thefts after prompt action by police patrol

Two men were remanded in custody on Thursday after being accused in court of stealing cars, seven cigarette vending machines and cash.

Clyde Mallia, 22, from Għaxaq and Massimo Fasanelli, 23, from Marsascala pleaded not guilty to the string of thefts which started in July and ended with the latest one in the very early hours of Wednesday morning which led to their arrest.

The court was told that police had been gathered footage which appeared to indicate that after each robbery, the getaway vehicle always headed south.

The investigations climaxed on Wednesday at 1am when a police patrol driving through Valley Road, Birkirkara suddenly heard the sound of shattering glass.

The officers got out of their vehicle and started checking the commercial establishments in the area for signs of break-in, when a silver Toyota Vitz, flashed past at high speed.

The police then came across signs of a forced entry at one of the stores, confirming that a robbery had taken place.

They immediately alerted colleagues patrolling the southern areas of the island.

Some time later, a silver vehicle, matching that of the suspected thieves was spotted at Marsascala, bearing number plates which belonged to...