Tourist guides report rise in Valletta pickpocketing cases

Tourist guides have noticed an increase in pickpocketing incidents in Valletta targeting both themselves and their clients, as police investigate several cases reported in recent weeks.

“A few of my colleagues had clients pickpocketed in the last weeks, mainly at Upper Barrakka Gardens, and one colleague managed to realise before it was too late when they tried to steal from her,” said tourist guide Lorraine Vassallo, who shared an image of the alleged pickpockets on social media.

She said she noted an increase in police presence in the last days at the Barrakka Gardens, especially around noon and 4pm for the firing of the cannon, when there are more crowds.

She also highlighted the broader challenges faced by guides, including pickpocketing, unsafe pavements, lack of wheelchair accessibility, overcrowding from tables and chairs in public spaces, excessive promotional signage forcing groups to zigzag, loud music from nearby establishments, and illegal tourist guiding.

Ana De Barro, president of the Malta Union of Tourist Guides, said that while pickpocketing typically increases at this time of year with the start of the tourist season, this year has seen a noticeable rise in cases that came to light.

She noted incidents occurring at Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Valletta entrance, and the bus terminus.

Police are currently investigating the reports.

Last month, Sandu Marius, 44, and his wife Lucica Ivanciv, 43, both Romanian nationals, were charged in connection with a series of pickpocketing incidents in Valletta in April and May, involving the alleged theft of under €4,000.

During their arraignment, prosecutors said police had received 22 reports, with the couple identified in four cases through CCTV footage. They were arrested at Upper Barrakka Gardens on a Friday, with the first alleged theft dating back to April 26, just four days after their arrival in Malta. 

How to prevent pickpocketing

• Keep purses and bags closed and secure
• Carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest
• Wear your bag with the closure side facing your body
• Wear backpacks in front of your body in crowded places
• Use a money belt if you are carrying significant amounts of cash
• Conceal your wallet or phone in a buttoned or zipped inside pocket
• Keep a list of contact numbers in case your phone is stolen
• Don't hang stuff on the back of a chair or pushchair
• Don't place your belongings out of sight on the floor
• Beware of distraction tactics designed to avert your attention