More than 1,000 reports were made by people about what to them was abuse of public property through the freephone number launched at the end of last year.

All of the 1,017 reports received were investigated and the absolute majority turned out to be genuine cases.

Most of the reports were about squatters on public land and on the abuse of encroachment permits, the Parliamentary Secretary for Land, Jason Azzopardi said.

He said the service, available around the clock seven days a week, was very well received and was proving to be an indispensable tool for the government to curb abuse of public land. He said the aim was part of the drive to return public land to the people.

The freephone - number 1577 - is accompanied by a webpage, which can be accessed at www.1577.gov.mt.

Dr Azzopardi said the blatant abuse of encroachment permits by establishments in the Buġibba Square, for example, was flagged by a report made through this service. The owners there were served with a warning and were being given some time to come into line.

Earlier this month, Dr Azzopardi and his staff spent a day receiving phone calls from people. Over 350 telephone calls containing complaints and suggestions were received and the idea might even be widened to other government ministries and departments.

Dr Azzopardi explained that the event was successful not only because it gave people the opportunity to express their satisfaction and, at times, vent their frustrations, but also because he listened to them and gave them the explanations they were after.

The first time Dr Azzopardi dedicated time to receive phone calls from people was in December but this time it was "far more overwhelming". Another similar event is being planned for after summer.

Dr Azzopardi said nearly three quarters of the reports received had already been dealt with while others were channelled to the proper authorities, including the VAT department, the health authorities and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

There was even a report about theft of electricity, which was forwarded to the police for investigation.