A woman was placed on probation for three years after she was found guilty of hopping from beach to beach stealing several backpacks containing cash, credit cards, mobile phones and personal documents, among other things.

Emma Grech, 19, from Marsaxlokk, was found guilty of committing a series of thefts from Delimara and Pretty Bay in Birzebbuga between 29 June and 15 August.

She stole a total of eight mobile phones, an undisclosed amount of cash, a photo camera, a number of credit cards and several identification documents on nine separate occasions.

Meanwhile, her boyfriend, 28-year-old Generoso Barbara from Zejtun, was also placed on probation for three years after he was found guilty of relapsing, handling stolen property and stealing from a store at Xatt is-Sajjieda in Marsaxlokk.

Inspector Michael Mallia prosecuted while Dr Franco Debono and Dr Marion Camilleri appeared for the defence.