There are at least three acts of vandalism per week within the areas of St Julian’s, Sliema, Gżira, Pembroke and Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq.

Following a series of questions tabled by 10th District MP Karol Aquilina, Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia released figures showing that there have been 1,044 reported cases since 2013.

For the years 2013 and 2014, the number of reports recored in St Julian’s were worryingly high, with no less than 135 reported cases

However, the number dropped to just 63 in 2017, before increasing once again to 85 for 2018.

In the other ares, bar Sliema, the numbers have remained consistent with only Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq experiencing an upward trend recording 41 cases last year.

Vandalism has slowly begun to pervade the public consciousness with the practice gathering more coverage in the media, notably, with the rise of graffiti on Maltese streets.

In the past, residents and shop owners within the areas have expressed their concerns over the perceived lack of interest by police officers to catch vandals in the area.

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Julian Bonnici

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.