Madliena residents reported two back-to-back break-ins within the same hour on Sunday evening.

Police received two separate reports at around 8pm of a suspected break-in. In both cases, the residents were home and did not see the perpetrators. However, in one case, the residents noticed that some items had been moved around. 

By the time officials arrived at the scenes, the suspects had fled however, it did seem like people had entered the homes, a spokesperson for the police told Lovin Malta.

The two reports are being investigated separately but the spokesperson did not deny the possibility that the suspect/s could be connected.

A neighbour told Lovin Malta that entering the house while the residents are present seems to have become a new method to avoid triggering any alarm systems. However, the police explained that there is no indication that robbers are employing a new modus operandi to their heists.

Police investigations are currently underway to identify and arrest the suspect/s.