A “substantial sum of money” was stolen from the home of a 57-year-old woman in Birkirkara on Sunday night, a stone’s throw away from the police station.

The police said the woman was about to enter her home in Mnajjar street at 7.45 p.m. only to find that her door had been left open and the lights of her home switched on.

Realising she may have been burgled, she started screaming for help and the police who were at the station heard her cries and rushed to her aid. They entered the house but found nobody inside.

The woman told the police that a “substantial sum of money” had been taken.

Nearby residents told The Times more police vigilance was needed in that particular area as those living there were susceptible to such crimes.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima ordered an inquiry.