Bump-key thieves strike again in Sliema

Bump-key thieves in Sliema have struck again this morning, this time targeting an 88-year-old woman’s residence in the heart of Sliema.

Informed sources explained that this morning, police were called in after an 88-year-old’s residence in Tower Street, Sliema was burgled. It is understood that upon entering her home, the woman – who was returning home after mass – noticed that a group of unidentified people had entered into her home.

Sources said the victim was initially oblivious that the robbery had been carried out, but the elderly victim was quickly left in a state of shock and bewilderment after she discovered that robbers had rummaged through her rooms- making off with her gold and other possessions.

Police said there were no signs of a break-in, and that the thieves managed to enter into the home without leaving any traces behind. Sources said that the robbers may have used a device called a “bump key” – a tool used to bypass locks without the need of force.

District officials and scene of the crime officers started investigating the robbery and discovered a sock which was allegedly used by the robbers to concealtheir fingerprints.

The use of the maligned “bump-key” was brought to light this summer after a professional gang was implicated in the robberies of several homes. The spate of burglaries in Sliema and St Julian’s is said to have instilled fear among the elderly community.

Moreover, in August, acting police commissioner Ray Zammit had said that the suspicious signs found on intercoms were directly related to the same gangs. Speaking on TVM’s Reporter, the police commissioner had confirmed that the signs and the organised robberies owe their origin to foreign culture.