An off-duty police inspector apprehended a 50-year-old man on Thursday evening following a series of alleged thefts during Maundy Thursday services at the Żurrieq Parish Church.
The arrest took place around 8:00 PM after several churchgoers approached the off-duty officer, reporting that their personal belongings had gone missing. The stolen items reportedly included mobile phones, jackets, and a bag.
Swift Action by Off-Duty Officer
According to a statement released by the police on Friday, victims provided the inspector with a description of a man they had noticed “behaving suspiciously” inside the church earlier that evening.
Relying on the description provided, the inspector launched an immediate search of the surrounding area. He successfully located the suspect, a Somali national residing in Paola, walking along Blue Grotto Avenue.
Recovery of Stolen Items
Upon intercepting the suspect, the officer discovered the allegedly stolen items in the man’s possession. The inspector called for backup, and the individual was subsequently escorted to the local police station.
The 50-year-old remains in custody as police continue their investigations into the incident.
