Families '"living in fear' as neighbourhood garages turn into crime dens

Families are being forced to live in fear in their own homes as criminals setting up their operations nearby intimidate them to the point that they fear speaking to the authorities, it has emerged.
A mother who spoke to The Sunday Times of Malta on the condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions described how her neighbours had "taken over the street" she lives in, running what residents believe to be a shady business in one of the garages there.
She described how men in pairs visited the garage regularly, with the visits increasing on the weekends. While the garage owners claim to be running a hair salon, the visitors come ready with their hair styled and often have someone waiting outside the entrance while the other is inside.

Despite being concerned that the garage may be serving as a front for criminal activity, the mother said that nobody wants to speak to the authorities for fear of repercussions.
She explained that when she attempted to seek assistance from the police some years ago, the garage owners made it their life's mission to shut her up, resorting to intimidation tactics that included standing on her doorstep and showering her with insults each time she...

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