Gozitans accused of multiple shoplifting

Two Gozitan friends who allegedly came over to Malta and packed their vehicle with clothes, perfumes and other items were yesterday charged with shoplifting from several outlets in Sliema.

The 20-year-old woman from Għarb and her 17-year-old male friend from Fontana were accused of a string of thefts from numerous outlets in Sliema and from shops in Victoria. They were caught and identified by police through CCTV footage provided by shops, which raised the alarm.

Magistrate Anthony Ellul, who presided over the case in the Gozo court, heard that the two were inseparable friends and spent most of the day together.

He ordered the ban on the publication of the woman's name in order to protect the identity of the teenager.

Magistrate Ellul granted the duo bail against a personal guarantee of €6,000 each.