I want to make readers, the police and Transport Malta aware that there are foreign pickpockets at work at the City Gate bus terminus in Valletta. These pickpockets pose as tourists and work in pairs.

As my wife and I were boarding a number 67 bus last Monday, a young man (fair complexion, wearing a turquoise T-shirt and a straw hat) pushed into the line, separating my wife from me. He asked the bus driver, several times, about getting to the airport. While the line was held up and I was on the bus steps I felt someone touch my trouser pocket where my wallet was. I turned and saw another young man (tanned complexion, close cropped hair, black T-shirt and carrying a large shoulder bag and a green towel.) He pulled his hand away from me when I turned. When the passenger line pushed him forward, he too asked the driver about getting to the airport before getting off the bus.

I realised that I had been a victim of attempted theft when I noticed that one of the previously closed pockets of my small shoulder bag was fully unzipped. Luckily, my camera was still inside since I must have disturbed the pickpocket when I turned to see who was touching me.

While waiting for the bus to leave we noticed that the same man was still hanging around the area, eyeing other potential targets from the people lining up to board Sliema-bound buses. So, please, be aware.