The police have increased police presence across all localities as part of its targeted policing approach following five reports of alleged thefts between the 22nd and 28th of February, the Police Force told The Malta Independent.

On Friday, Lawyer Kris Borg wrote on social media that "a very large amount of robberies" had occurred in private houses throughout the week. Borg had said that the targets were typically houses or villas and that the thefts had taken place between 7 PM and 10:30 PM. "Clearly there is a professional gang involved," he had said. Borg added that the targeted areas at the time his statement was made were San Pawl tat-Targa, Madliena, Targa Gap, Ibragg, and Marsascala.

Following this, The Malta Independent sent questions to the Police Force regarding whether the police had looked into the situation as well as whether it could be confirmed if there had been serial thefts and if they were likely carried out by the same people. The police were also asked what had been stolen, as well as why a public notice regarding the situation had not been issued.

The police said that the five reports of alleged thefts between the 22nd and 28th of February were in Swieqi, Mosta, San Gwann, Naxxar, and Mellieha. It added that investigations in all cases are actively ongoing, and that there has been an increase in police presence across all localities, not just those previously mentioned.

This increase in police presence, the police said, includes patrols by the District Police, Community Police Teams, and the Rapid Intervention Unit, "ensuring high visibility to provide reassurance and peace of mind to residents".