As the Riolo family relaxed on a day out at sea, discussing a theft that occurred in their hometown, Mosta, three weeks ago, they had no idea they would soon be victims themselves.
“Little did I know that, at that very moment, our own home was being robbed,” Lillian Riolo, 45, said yesterday.
Burglars broke into their home in Lorenzo Gafà Street between 11am and noon on Saturday and stole thousands of euros’ worth of valuables, she said.
These included sentimental items such as gold belonging to Ms Riolo and her husband, Mario, as well as birthday, Holy Communion and Confirmation gifts received by their three children.
The burglars also made off with a 1.5-metre-long grey safe containing four guns – two revolvers and two pistols – which Mr Riolo collected and also used for target shooting practice.
“The safe was very heavy. It must have taken at least two men to carry it out. And, worst of all, the guns are now in the hands of criminals.”
The four guns were a Taurus (serial number SE739362), a Smith and Wesson (BJH9986), a Glock (LCB242) and a Browning (EO4229). Two are 35.7 magnums and the other two 9mm.
None of the stolen items were insured.
Ms Riolo, her husband and seven-year-old son left home on Friday afternoon to spend the next day on the boat.
Their second daughter joined them later in the evening while their eldest girl, a 15-year-old, preferred not to go on the boat.
“I didn’t want her to sleep at home on her own and I insisted that she join us. She was dropped off at Għadira. Thank God, I insisted with her. I am so thankful that she was not home when the burglars broke in.”
At 4pm on Saturday, when the family was on its way home, one of the neighbours noticed their dog, Max, running outside in the street.
Upon further investigation, he found the door open and informed Mr Riolo’s parents, who live nearby. It transpired that the burglars used some sort of hook to lever open the window shutters leading directly to the main bedroom.
The drawers were found open and the couple’s belonging were strewn all over the room.
The heavy safe containing the guns must have been lifted because there were no drag marks on the tiles, Ms Riolo said.
The burglars did not venture into the other rooms.
The front door, which was locked and could only be opened with a key, was broken and the burglars made their escape through it.
“What makes my blood run cold is the fact that it was all very well planned and calculated. The burglars must have been watching our every step,” Ms Riolo said.
“They went directly to the right room. One of my drawers was full of cheap costume jewellery. At the bottom, I kept my diamond engagement ring.
“They sifted through all the junk and only took the engagement ring from that drawer.
“They even brought food along with them and fed Max because we found food across the corridor.”
Ms Riolo expressed her distress at the fact that no witness had yet come forward.
“I am shocked and upset that witnesses seem to be too afraid to speak up. Someone must have seen the robbers carry a 1.5-metre safe out of my house in a main road in broad daylight.
“If you have any information, please come forward, even if you remain anonymous.”
Information on the theft or the stolen items should be communicated to the police. The Riolo family is offering a reward to anyone who returns the stolen items.