Vandals go on spraying spree in Gżira

Updated: 3.15pm

Homes, garages and shop fronts across multiple streets in Gżira were sprayed by vandals early on Friday morning. 

Mayor Neville Chetcuti told Times of Malta that properties on at least four streets – Triq Luqa Briffa, Triq San Albert, Triq Belvedere and Triq L-Immakulata Kunċizzjoni - had been vandalised, seemingly indiscriminately. 

A vandalised front door and facade. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Chetcuti said he had filed a police report and handed over CCTV footage that showed the suspects, and had also found an empty spray can that had been discarded in the street.

The perpetrator did not discriminate between garage doors, homes or shop fronts. Photo: Jonathan Borg

“Obviously, Gżira is no stranger to vandalism but I’ve never seen anything like this before,” he said. 

Jeff's Pastizzeria was one of the businesses affected. Photo: Jonathan Borg

A resident who showed Times of Malta CCTV footage of two suspects said they had gone on their rampage at around 3am. 

Multiple residences and garages were targetted.

One video from the CCTV footage captured two men in dark clothing and caps advancing along the pavement. One man, seen holding a spray can, pauses briefly at a doorstep. He appears to use the canister for several seconds before continuing down the street.

A police spokesperson confirmed with Times of Malta that investigations are underway and the police are looking at security camera footage from the affected area.

The graffiti was sprayed across the facades of houses as well as businesses.

The cost of restoring historical limestone facades, which require specialised techniques to avoid permanent damage, is likely to run into the thousands of Euros.