A 19-year-old man admitted in court today to a string of 24 thefts from the La Valette Resort in St George's Park and the near-by Alphonse Hotel.

Kevin Chircop of Floriana, was accused of having committed the thefts between the beginning of June and August 7.

He admitted to having stolen mobile phones, iPads, iPhones, jewellery and other items from hotel rooms.

Informed sources said that Mr Chircop was arrested by the police as part of a wider investigation, the nature of which was not disclosed.

The investigation, however, also netted another man, Cyrus Dunlop, 19 of San Gwann, who was accused, and admitted, four such thefts.

Neither of the men worked in the hotels but they managed to find their way into the hotel guest rooms.

Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona said he was considering probation and community service for the men, since they are still young.

Inspector Pullicino objected and called for an effective jail term for Chircop.

Magistrate Micallef Trigona postponed judgement for September 5 and appointed a probation officer to evaluate the two men and consider whether they are  capable of community service.

Dunlop was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000 while Chircop was remanded in custody.

in a separate arraignment, Braden Griscti, an unemployed 19-year-old from Valletta, and a 16-year-old from Gzira, admitted to having bought iPads, iPhones and other items from Chircop and Dunlop. Griscti also admitted relapsing.

Both were placed on probation for three years and the court warned them, especially Girscti, that another offence would land then in prison.

The court also asked Mr Griscti why he was unemployed, and he replied that his conduct certificate made it difficult for him to find a job.