Brazen robber arrested after chase

Republic Street in Valletta on Wednesday morning became the stage of a minutes-long drama when a young thief was seen trying to force open a showcase of a jeweller's shop in full view of passers-by in broad daylight.

Police sources said many people just stopped and stared in disbelief as the thief managed to open the shop window of a jeweller's shop situated in the remains of the opera house and started stuffing his pockets with gold items.

The salesgirl realised something was happening and went out. On seeing the man stealing the gold she snatched some back from his hands but the man threatened her.

Someone finally called the police, who gave chase and caught up with the thief in Melita Street, three corners away. The sources said that apart from jewellery, the police also found a number of other items that had been stolen from other places, as well as some drugs.

Daring thefts sometimes take place in Valletta, even though the amounts stolen may not always be significant. Another young man is soon expected to be arraigned after snatching a Lm5 note from a woman's hand. The woman had just taken the money out from her purse.