A few days ago, at about noon, my wife and I were returning home on bus route 51 from Valletta. The bus was overcrowded, with people jostling for space and bumping against each other.

As we were passing by the War Memorial at Floriana, a young Italian-speaking female who was near me engaged my attention by asking me questions about the Grand Harbour and whether the bus was going in that direction. On my other side, a person with a large bag kept shoulder high moved his arm up and down my side where I was holding a small zipped bag with my wallet in it.

At that stage I happened to notice that the bag’s zipper was open and on immediate further investigation I noticed that the wallet — with everything in it – had disappeared. People around me noticed my concern but there was nothing they could do to help as by that time the bus had reached a bus stop and those who I suspect were involved had made their speedy exit.

My sole purpose in writing about this unfortunate experience is to make people aware of the tactics which are resorted to by unscrupulous scoundrels who deserve what they get if and when they are caught.