Two on theft charges

A Mosta man was yesterday charged with breaking into nine cars and burgling seven garages and two houses last year.

Massimo Galea, 22, pleaded not guilty to stealing car stereos, CDs and cash from parked cars and power tools, hi-fi equipment, jewellery and other items from seven garages and two houses between February 7, 2002, and August 11, 2002.

He was also charged with trying to burgle another two garages and trying to break into a 10th car.

George Vella, 28, of Cospicua, was charged with joining Galea in breaking into three of the nine cars. He was also charged with relapsing, handling stolen property and causing damage to the cars, garages and houses. Vella also pleaded not guilty.