Two attempted thefts in Valletta and Gzira were yesterday stopped by the police after a concerted operation in which a number of persons were arrested.

The first incident occurred in Stadium Street Gzira at around 4am where the police noted two men who were acting in a suspicious manner.

One man was apprehended after he was observed trying to open the door of a van while the other was arrested after having been found in a car which was full of tools to be used for the break in.

The second incident occurred in St Mark Street, Valletta at around 8am when a man was observed leaving a residence and ran away from the police. He attempted to spray some liquid in the direction of chasing officers but was then apprehended and is being kept for further questioning.

Two other persons are also being questioned in connection with the case.