A magistrate today expressed concern at the growing number of crimes committed by foreigners.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech jailed a Serbian construction worker for two years after he admitted to stealing €3,950 from Izibet betting shop in Msida Seafront earlier this month. The court also ordered the man to be deported after serving his sentence.

In her ruling, Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech expressed concern on the increasing number of crimes being committed by foreigners, saying such a situation was "intolerable".

The theft took place on 9 July, when Dejan Lijeskic, 39, was arrested in Testaferrata Street, Gzira where he was found hiding in a building site. He had entered a shop from an adjacent property which he broke into using a stolen construction ladder.

He initially denied all charges, but then filed a guilty plea some days later.

Police inspectors Saviour Baldacchino and Mark Mercieca prosecuted.