A hooded man armed with a knife walked into a Birkirkara jewellery store yesterday but rushed out when the owner told him a police officer was standing across the road.

The would-be thief walked into the Fleur-de-Lys outlet at about 11.45am when the owner and two clients were inside the shop, the police said. No one was injured.

This is the second time this year that a thief tried to carry out a hold-up in broad daylight, something that criminologist Saviour Formosa said was very rare.

Last Thursday, a hooded man armed with a telescopic baton stole money at Scotts Supermarket in Burmarrad. He took between €300 and €500 after grabbing a young cashier by the hair.

Police are still looking for him.

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