Filenews 18 June 2021
In view of the three-day Flood (Saturday 19/06/2021–Monday 21/06/2021), the Police will again take particularly increased measures this year, with priority being given to the protection and safety of citizens.
In this context, the Police are stepping up their action with a view to the safety of traffic on the road network and the protection of citizens and their property.
The priority of the Police is also the prevention of fires, since the risk of forest fires erupting at this time is particularly high.
Traffic Measures
Due to the increased traffic expected to be observed on the road network, the Police will take additional measures to prevent road accidents, to prevent traffic and to provide all possible assistance to road users. Therefore, staff from Traffic Headquarters, as well as the Provincial Traffic Departments, will be on foot.
Traffic measures include an intensification of motor patrols and an increased presence of Traffic members on motorways, long-city roads and especially on the main roads leading to the coast and mountains.
In order to ensure a bloodless three-day period away from road accidents and injuries, particular emphasis will be placed on offences proven to contribute to fatal and serious traffic collisions, such as speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to use a seat belt or protective helmet. In addition, next Monday, on the day of the feast of the Flood and especially in the afternoon, additional preventive measures will be taken when the public returns from the coastal towns to the capital.
In this context, the Police Once Again appeals to drivers to be particularly careful and to comply with traffic signs and instructions from on-duty police officers.
Crime prevention
Three day holidays, like that of the Flood [Kataklysmos], are considered periods of high risk for burglaries and thefts, since the deft take advantage of the absence of the residents who left for vacation. That is why the Police are taking additional measures to prevent crime and especially offences against property, such as burglaries, thefts, robberies, etc., with pedestrian and motor patrols, in cities and in the countryside.
In addition to the police's measures, however, the public should take preventive measures to guard their property before leaving their home, as well as at the holiday area.
On the beach the public is urged
- Carry only the necessary amount of money and avoid taking high-value items such as jewellery, watches, cameras, mobile phones, etc.
- In the event that such objects are transported, they shall under no circumstances be left unattended, and, where possible, cooperation with other bathers in the mutual surveillance of their property should be sought.
At the hotel or tourist apartment
- Choose hotels or tourist accommodation, where there are measures to protect the property of customers.
- Every time the occupants leave their room, make sure that the windows and doors are closed and secured.
- Do not carry with you money or valuables that you will not need when leaving.
- Items of value should be left for safekeeping, in the reception area or in another specially designed area of the hotel or accommodation.
Homeowners
- When you are away from home, leave no clues to betray your absence.
- Working with trusted neighbours arrange for them to keep an eye on your home.
- Don't leave the keys on the locks, not even on the inside of the door.
- Do not leave exposed, money, jewellery, important documents or other valuables and, where possible, keep them in a safe.
- Make sure you've secured doors, windows and light ducts.
- If you have an alarm system and/or CCTV, make sure that they are put into service and that they have not been damaged.
Shop owners
- Leave open and without content the cash registers of their stores
- Do not leave large sums of money in precarious places, or in closed business premises.
- Don't leave your property exposed
- Have taken care of the installation of alarm systems
- Check that these systems are modern, reliable and have not been damaged
On busy places/public roads:
- The public is encouraged to be particularly careful when walking or on busy roads/public places.
- Money and credit cards are placed in the front pockets of clothes.
- For women carrying bags, do not place in them all money, credit cards, passports etc. What you will not need on your way out is best left in an insured place in the hotel or in the place of residence.
- The bag, in which valuable items are found, is preferable to be placed in such a way that there is constant visual contact with it. (e.g. across your chest).
Fire prevention
With regard to fires, in cooperation with the Fire Department, it is announced that the Police will take strict measures to prevent them. The Police warn that it will be relentless with regard to offenders and persons who deliberately set fire to the countryside and stresses once again that non-compliance with the relevant Legislation is an offence.
In general, the public is encouraged to be vigilant and to cooperate closely with the Police and, if necessary, immediately inform the Police or contact the Citizen's Contact Line on 1460.
