Swieqi residents are becoming increasingly fearful following a series of break-ins, and has been heightened by the presence of a gang of foreign door-to-door vendors whose behaviour is causing growing concern.

On Friday night, as police resources were being stretched to the limit due to the Commonwealth Summit and the Royal visit, thieves targeted two homes in just a matter of hours.

The first happened at about 6pm when an elderly woman was tied to a chair at her home in Triq il-Kwarta after being surprised by two men, allegedly foreigners who demanded money and gold. The police, however, said that nothing was stolen.

The second break-in was reported yesterday morning, when a family in Triq it-Tiben learnt they had been robbed of cash, believed to be about €100, and a tablet computer.

Sources said the theft was only discovered at about 9.30am when a member of the family woke up and noticed the mess left by the intruders, who were in the property while the owners were asleep.

An elderly woman was tied to a chair at her home after being surprised by two men, allegedly foreigners, who demanded money and gold

They added that the thieves had gained access to the property through an adjacent building which is still under construction.

In recent weeks a number of foreigners posing as door-to-door vendors have fuelled suspicions among residents, with many questioning their intentions.

“It seems they are more interested to get a glimpse of the contents inside the house and identify any potential targets rather than do business, as most of the items for sale like carpets look worn out and dirty,” sources said.

The crime rate in Swieqi has worsened in recent years. Though the authorities have responded by opening a new police station, police sources said most of the time this is being manned by a single officer who was not able to go on the beat.