Youths caught trying to siphon fuel out of trucks

Two youths were put on a three-year probation after being caught red-handed in the act of stealing fuel from three vehicles in Zabbar.

Inspector Frankie Sammut explained that on the night of 29 September, the police arrested the two accused while trying to siphon diesel from an empty tank.

17-year-old Mark John Desira, of Zejtun and Alex Galea, 20 of Birzebbugia, were accused of stealing €100 in diesel from two trucks and the attempted theft of more fuel from a third truck, which however was empty. The youths were also charged with damaging private property.

Desira alone was accused of driving a vehicle without license and insurance.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti placed the two youths under a three-year probation period, and ordered that Desira's driving licence is suspended for a year from when he turns 18.

Lawyer Franco Debono appeared for the accused.