Following the spate of burglaries in Sliema earlier in the year, it seems the thieves have now moved to another location - Mellieha. Over the past few days, a number of thefts have been reported in the location in the Santa Maria Estate area, some of which took place in broad daylight. Burglaries in the vicinity were also been reported at the end of August and throughout September.  CCTV Snapshots passed on to this newspaper clearly show one of the burglars breaking into a residence. The culprit sports a large tattoo on his right forearm.  Residents who spoke with this newspaper said that this man was seen breaking into different properties, however so far, the police have failed to provide any results.

Years back, between 1999 and 2002, a neighbourhood watch was set up across different zones in Mellieha, and this worked quite well, with the council organising meetings for the residents from time to time. In 2008, the system was expanded to include Santa Maria Estate, however, given it requires the corporation and time of residents; it did not always work as effectively as possible.

Envin Bartolo, from the Santa Maria Estate Residents' Association urged residents to come forward with any mishaps, and promised that the council will be holding regular meetings with district officers to keep residents updated, adding that the police can help out by setting up further patrols. Meanwhile the website for the association is accepting applications for residents wanting to participate in neighbourhood watch.

Mellieha residents expressed that crime in Mellieha was never particularly an issue, with the exception of theft from beaches. In fact, crime statistics show that over the years, Mellieha did not register an alarmingly high crime rate. For several years, St Julians and Pembroke topped the list of crime offences.

In a period of two months between June and August, over 21 residencies in Sliema were burgled. In a series of articles, The Malta Independent reported how the culprits behind the burglaries were careful enough not to leave any trails behind, even managing to break into houses equipped with super locks. Sources revealed that burglars were using socks taken from the victims' closet and wearing them as gloves to prevent leaving any fingerprints. Socks were then left behind outside the doors of the residencies burgled.