Beach theft last month doubled over July last year, confirming that gone are the days when you could set your mind at rest while enjoying a dip in the sea.
Police figures show that the number of reports received rose to 178 from 89 and 40 in the past two years respectively. The majority, 53, took place in St Julian’s, followed by 40 in Sliema, and 17 in Mellieħa and St Paul’s Bay.
However, sources said the actual figures were likely to be higher since some bathers opted not to report theft. This was either because their belongings were of insignificant value or they were sceptical about them being returned.
Reasons for the thefts also varied, as has emerged from the arraignments where suspects admitted to stealing cash, electronics and miscellaneous accessories.
Antoine Zammit from St Venera said: “We only found our sandals and a beach mat. Our bags, which contained car keys, credit cards, sunglasses, clothes, sun block and a beach towel had vanished. “There was only a small amount of cash, a few euro notes inside. Had they only taken that it would not have been so serious. I would have even handed the money to someone in need had they asked. But to be left without car keys, clothes and a towel to dry with after a swim is unacceptable.”
Ironically, Mr Zammit had left his belongings beneath a beach turret, which, he pointed out, was supposedly erected to ward off thieves. Yet, no one on the beach saw the culprits.
“It is elementary to keep an eye on high risk places and to better equip the police. There isn’t much that needs to be done but a little can make a difference to those like us who go through a similar experience,” he said.
Another reader, however, was fortunate to have some of his personal belongings returned to him and his wife after witnesses led the police to the thief.
“With the support of a number of people, the police managed to trace the culprit, charge her in court and recover some of our belongings,” he said.
The man commended the beach attendants whom, he said, went out of their way to help gather evidence and offered them their mobile phones to call the police.
“One can imagine the shock my wife and I got when we returned from our swim and found all our belongings missing,” said the man.
“This incident shows that the collaborative efforts of all the individuals help to solve such a case within a short time and can deter thieves.”
However, the keys to his home and car have still not been recovered.