Police investigating Paceville pickpocketing ‘racket’

Vigilant checks by police officers over a pickpocketing racket currently ongoing in Paceville led to the arrest of Romanian national George Bigu, 29, who was caught in the act of stealing from a handbag.

Inspectors Michael Mallia and James Grech told the court how on the 19 May at around 2:30am, Bigu was apprehended in Paceville whilst he was trying to steal from the handbag of Rowena Pace.

The inspectors held that Bigu's arrest was part of an ongoing investigation following repeated reports of pick-pocketing thefts involving mainly cash and mobile phones.

The Romanian, who currently resides in St Julian's was denied bail and remanded in custody.

Dr Adrian Camilleri appeared for the accused.