A Maltese woman and an Italian man were remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a string of at least 20 thefts of bags from churches between November and Saturday.

The unemployed couple from Qawra was followed and arrested by an off-duty policeman in San Ġwann on Saturday.

Among the items they allegedly stole was a handbag worth €3,000 holding a €50 wallet, €2,000 in cash, credit cards, a cheque book and a €50 cheque.

The bags were stolen from churches across the island, including Nazzarenu in Sliema, Saint Francis in Ħamrun and the Balzan parish church.

Alexia Margo Calleja, 34, and Baldassare Perlotti, 42, were also charged with stealing €300 from an HSBC ATM. Among the items presented in court was the ATM’s CCTV footage.

The woman was also charged with driving without a licence or insurance policy.

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