Three Repeat Offenders Remanded Over €18,000 Burglary Spree in Gżira

A string of serious crimes in Gżira has led to the arrest and subsequent remand in custody of three men, two of whom are known repeat offenders. The trio is facing charges related to aggravated thefts amounting to more than €18,000, as well as breaching bail conditions and recidivism.

Major Apartment Burglary

The crime spree came to the authorities' attention when the owners of a Gżira apartment reported a devastating break-in that occurred between June 10 and June 11. While the residents were away, burglars forced entry into the property and made off with a substantial haul. The stolen items included high-end electronic equipment, luxury perfumes, and designer handbags, with the total value estimated at around €18,000.

Knifepoint Robbery in Public Garden

Days later, on June 17, the situation escalated when a violent robbery was reported. A 20-year-old Eritrean national, identified as Fanuel Madhanie, allegedly held an Indian national at knifepoint in a public garden in Gżira, robbing the victim of €180.

In a twist of fate, police officers patrolling the area later that same day found Madhanie asleep on a bench within the very same garden and promptly arrested him. The investigation quickly gathered pace, and through the crucial use of CCTV footage from the burglary scenes, police identified and arrested his two accomplices on the same day.

Suspects with Lengthy Criminal Records

The other two co-accused are well-known to the authorities. They are Paul Michael Kavanagh, 48, who has several pending court cases (including a notable €100,000 jewellery theft case from 2010), and Alexander Anthony Gianze Whiteford, a 43-year-old British national possessing a staggering 55-page criminal record.

During their arraignment before Magistrate Marse-Anne Farrugia, all three men pleaded not guilty to the charges. As they refused to cooperate durante police interrogation and bail was not requested by their defense lawyers, the men were remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.

Crime Prevention: Protecting Your Home from Burglars

This incident highlights the financial and emotional toll of residential burglaries. To safeguard your home while you are away, consider these essential security measures:

• Install Visible Deterrents: Ensure your property has visible CCTV cameras and an active burglar alarm system. The suspects in this case were identified especificamente através CCTV footage.
• Secure Valuables: Avoid leaving highly valuable items like expensive electronics, designer bags, or large amounts of cash easily accessible. Store them out of sight or in a securely bolted safe.
• Create the Illusion of Occupancy: Use timer switches for lights and radios to make the house appear occupied during the evening.
• Upgrade Locks: Ensure all exterior doors have high-quality deadbolts and windows are fitted with secure, modern locking mechanisms.

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Source:

• Times of Malta