Lotto receiver, 72, foils hold-up

Mr Geoff Gibson

May 7th 2011, 15:10

I've often wondered about the security of these small Lotto offices, especially considering they all guarantee to pay (in cash) any winning ticket upto about 5,000Euro. In my time here, I have also noticed that they are often staffed by only one person, and in almost every case it has been by someone in the Autumn of their life (both male and female). This doesn't seem right at all. (I don't mean that our older generation shouldn't be working, I mean that they are being left in charge of large sums of cash, in poorly maintained offices with no other staff present)

I take my hat off to this worker who fended off the attacker, and hope Maltco reward him appropriately for defending their money.

p.s..... and I hope Maltco also do something about the bad spelling in their sign outside the door! :)

Mr David Farrugia

May 7th 2011, 15:05

Why shouldn't lotto receivers be trained and obtain a permit to hold a pistol? I wouldn't shed a tear if a robber meets his Creator on the spot of his crime.

Mr N Zahra

May 7th 2011, 14:37

@ Jeremy Gambin & James Cauchi: The way to go round is not to increase security - but to increase the penalty. Here we have a case of someone who put someone else's life in danger to take money which didnt belong to him. Off with his hand I say! I bet you that if caught, the perpetrator will get off with a suspended sentence.
I for one do not want to live in an environment of increased security - I prefer decreased criminality. There is no real downside for a criminal as things stand.

Carmel Xuereb

May 7th 2011, 12:19

At 72 years old (God bless him) and still working!!!!! Is this because the present living standar we have here in Malta or becasue this guy feel he has got a lot more to give to our economy? Any way he did a good job defending himself, good luck man.

Erica Agius

May 7th 2011, 12:07

"thief then ran out empty handed" - aqas haq it-trauma ghall-vittma.... I'm glad that nothing has been stolen but if the offender does not have enough courage to do a robbery, might as well think about it deeply and not do anything at all!

Jeremy Gambin

May 7th 2011, 12:04

in this day & age;,why can't lotto outlets have safes that once money is put in - it cannot be taken out unless by a security van accompanied by armed guards/police.

At most the lotto receiver will have a cash float for loose change,

Afterall the local gaming company has a monopoly and i am sure makes a lot of money- especially when it takes weeks to win the Super 5- so it would not hurt to pay for this cost.

What are we waiting for - a tragedy - when people take risks & resist the thieves.

Mr James Cauchi

May 7th 2011, 11:52

Perhaps it is time to consider a re-think of security standards in such locations.