Shoplifters return stolen goods

Three shoplifters who took some €7,000 worth of jewellery from four outlets over two days this week were yesterday given suspended jail terms after they returned the stolen items.

The men, Romanians Mihai Buruana, 29, Mara Balta, 32, and Vadar Ghimes Agafite, 32, admitted to stealing a gold bangle, bracelets and necklaces from Wignacourt Jewellery shop in St Paul’s Bay, Super Gold Jewellers in St Julians, Vascas Jewellery in Naxxar and Gaba Gioielli in Iklin.

They also admitted to trying to steal items from Sterling Jewellers in Mellieħa, however, they were spotted and made a quick getaway only to be arrested at the Valletta Waterfront.

Legal aid lawyer Patrick Valentino told the court that the items had been returned and Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona swiftly handed down a two-year jail term suspended for four years.

Police Inspectors Anthony Portelli and Therese Sciberras prosecuted.