Four Italian youths, who allegedly form part of an organised crime group, were arrested through collaborative work by various sections of the police crops.

The youths were arrested in connection with a series of thefts, known as ‘snatch and grab’, of jewellery from entertainment establishments.

Last Saturday, police were informed together, that there is assistance needed in an entertainment establishment in Ħaż-Żebbuġ and St Julian’s.

Police convened immediately on site and arrested two youth in Ħaż-Żebbuġ, with two youths getting arrested moments later in St Julian’s.

Investigations showed that these youths were going into entertainment establishments with large crowds and essentially pulling necklaces off of the necks of victims and running into the crowd.

The culprits are aged 16, 18, 21 and 24 and live in Italy. They were arraigned in court on Sunday in front of Magistrate Dr Nadia-Helena Vella.

Two of the culprits – the ones aged 24 and 21 years old – admitted to the accusations and were handed a 9 month and 12 month prison sentences respectively. The 16 and 18 year olds plead not guilty but are still being held under preventative arrest.

#MaltaDaily