A man led police to a gang targeting residences while their occupants were asleep after apprehending a burglar who entered his home.

Sources told The Sunday Times of Malta two men had been apprehended, while another two remained at large.

The police believe the four men are responsible for a string of burglaries from homes in several areas.

Sources said the gang operated in an unorthodox manner. Instead of waiting for residents to leave their home, they would target a property and enter while the occupants were asleep.

“They are very professional. They strike at night while people are sleeping inside,” the sources said.

The sources said that according to CCTV footage, during one of the thefts the burglars spent more than an hour inside a house.

Thefts with similar patterns had been reported since September and came to an end just before Christmas when the homeowner caught one of the burglars red-handed and managed to restrain him. Two other men inside the property escaped.

Sources said the thieves were not after bulky items, but targeted laptops, tablets, cash and jewellery.

Following the arrest of 18-year-old Egyptian Sam Ibrahim Mahmoud, who resides at the Ħal Far open centre, further investigations led the police to Mahamadou Fofana, a 19-year-old Malian who they believed was also part of the gang.

Gang struck when occupants asleep

Mr Mahmoud was arraigned in court and sentenced to four years in jail. He also admitted to breaching bail conditions in relation to another case.

Mr Fofana denied the charges and was remanded in custody. He will appear in court again on Wednesday.

The men were charged with a string of thefts from at least six residences between October 19 and December 22. Sources said the police were searching for another two men who they believe are Egyptian and Somali.

Police Inspectors Edel Mary Camilleri, Robert Vella and Elliot Magro are investigating.

matthew.xuereb@timesofmalta.com