Two soldiers were arrested following an attempted theft from a shop and showroom in Triq Il-Municipju Ruman, Victoria, at 8.20pm yesterday.
The burglars were seen by the shop owner as they attempted to open a safe in the home improvements shop.
They fled but were arrested after boarding the ferry to Malta, the sources said.
A car believed to have been used by the men was found close to the showroom.
The police are investigating.