Pickpockets struck an average of 5.6 times a day throughout 2015 while just under 2 bar thefts a day were reported during that year, figures issued by the police force have shown. 

In both cases, July was criminals' most fruitful month, with 20 per cent of all pickpocketing crimes and the majority of bar thefts happening in that month. 

July was also a favourite month for beach thieves, with 148 such thefts reported in June and July 2015, out of a total of 318 throughout 2015. Beach thefts were down this year though, with 91 reports having been filed in June and July of this year. 

The Malta Police Force has now published a new educational video clip encouraging people to keep their wits about them when in public places. 

If you're out and about: 

  • Keep handbags closed and in front of you. Don't dangle them on pushchairs or shopping trolleys.
  • Keep valuables on your person, not in a bag.
  • Don't take valuables to the beach, and always ensure someone is keeping an eye on your bags.
  • If somebody is acting suspiciously, make it a point to show them you're watching them. 

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