A 52-year-old man was this morning jailed for 18 months after admitting to stealing handbags from restaurants in Valletta and Sliema.

George Grech, from Cospicua, would walk into the establishments and casually walk away with handbags from patrons, police sources said.

He admitted to stealing seven handbags worth more than a total of €1,500 between April 3 and October 27 this year. He targeted the Kings Own Band Club in Republic Street, The Avenue in Paceville, Kolina In Sliema, Luciano's in Valletta and a jewellery shop.

Police Inspectors Daniel Zammit, Kylie Borg, Trevor Micallef prosecuted.

Legal aid lawyer Mark Busuttil appeared for the accused.

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