A passer-by filmed a break-in at a Gżira shop on Sunday afternoon and then took the footage to the police, a court heard yesterday.
Brian Pace, 34, Donna Camilleri, 26, and her sister Amanda, 27, pleaded not guilty to involvement in breaking into Gauci Borda and Sons.
Mr Pace was charged with stealing €1,800 from the till and causing damage to the shop.
The two sisters, who are both pregnant, were charged with complicity.
All three were charged with handling stolen property and relapsing.
They pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Magistrate Audrey Demicoli heard Mr Pace was a victim of usury and required money as he had borrowed €400 to buy cocaine and now owed €20,000.
Mr Pace and the Camilleri sisters were granted bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000 each.
Police Inspector Jason Francis Sultana prosecuted.
Lawyers Anġlu Farrugia and Gavin Gulia appeared for the accused.