Romanian pickpockets jailed for 13 months

Four Romanians were today sentenced to 13 months in jail as Magistrate Giovanni Grixti issues a "strong message" against pickpocketing.

Marian Ciucisan, a 51-year-old carpenter, Marius Stefan, a 34-year-old baker, Razvan-Aurel Stefan a 32-year-old painter and salesgirl Alexandra Buzatu, 32, were jailed for 13 months each after pleading guilty to 24 thefts.

The pick-pocketing was committed in Valletta, Sliema and on a number of buses.

"This a new phenomenon happening in Malta, that these crimes happened in a organised way and we want to send a strong message for any other persons," Magistrate Giovanni Grixti said.

On Friday, the Romanians pleaded guilty to the charges, against the advice of their defence lawyer Patrick Valentino. They also told the court that they do not have a fixed address.  

Prosecuting inspectors Michael Mallia and Kylie Borg said the gang was one of many gangs responsible for over 250 pick-pocketing thefts reported to the police since May 2013.

On Friday, Inspector Mallia had insisted that the court had to treat this as a serious offence as the victims of the gangs had suffered psychological traumas because of the actions of the Romanian gang.

The gang targeted tourists and old people, whilst in a queue at bus stops or on crowded public buses.