From Mr J. Hayes and Ms J. Knox-Hayes

We wrote to you last week about a traumatic incident during which our entire luggage was stolen from our vehicle at the car park of the Ta’ Qali crafts village. We have now returned to the UK but wanted to update you on the status of our situation.

Before we left, the Rabat police successfully apprehended and arraigned the primary suspect. The investigation is still ongoing, but my wife and I have both given our testimony in court.

We would like to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude to Inspector Grixti and his officers in the Rabat police station. We underestimated both the complexity of the case and the diligence and determination they dedicated towards it. They have worked tirelessly to find the culprit and recover our lost possessions. The service they have provided us, and indeed the community of Malta, is above and beyond anything we could have expected. We will always appreciate the effort they made on our behalf, and will carry a positive image of the country because of them.

We apologise for any concern this incident has caused you or your readers. We feel assured that what happened to us is unusual. We would especially like to encourage tourists to continue to visit the Ta’ Qali crafts village. My wife and I returned shortly before we left to purchase more glass. The quality and craftsmanship of the goods made there is definitely worth the journey.

We feel that Malta is a beautiful country with great potential. The cultural wonder of the churches, temples, and other historic sites is immeasurable. Because of the kindness of many of the people we met, we hold a positive impression of our visit. We will continue to recommend family and friends to take a holiday in Malta. Hopefully, we also will have the opportunity to visit again under better circumstances.

Jarrod Hayes & Janelle Knox-Hayes