Police presence has been increased 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.

It was responding to questions sent by this newsroom following a social media post made by lawyer Kris Borg, who warned the public about the situation and urged people to be vigilant. Borg had said that a number of robberies had occurred in private houses, mentioning a number of localities. 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. 

The police said that alleged thefts were reported in Swieqi, Mosta, San Ġwann, Naxxar, and Mellieħa. They said 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".

Through the response given, the police are taking action on this situation. It should be pointed out that perhaps the police should have issued a warning to the public about a spate of thefts from homes.

If an organised gang is conducting such robberies, then it must be caught. It wouldn't be the first time that a spate of home robberies took place in Malta. In 2014, robberies took place around the Sliema-St Julian's area and it led the police's Criminal Investigation Department and district officers to increase surveillance in the neighbourhood. News reports read that arrests were made in relation to the crimes.

In 2023, four members of a criminal gang from Eastern Europe had been jailed over a string of nine burglaries which were committed in 2021.

It won't be easy to catch the perpetrators of the alleged robberies taking place now, but one hopes they will be found quickly and taken to court to face justice.

The police did not confirm if the robberies are linked, saying that investigations in all cases are actively ongoing. If there is an organised gang responsible, then the urgency of catching them is even greater, lest they carry out more home thefts in a short time period.

Increasing police presence will help, but in addition people should also take precautions, such as ensuring that doors and windows are locked, and if possible installing security systems such as alarms.