Filenews 22 December 2021
As every year, the Cyprus Police, in view of the festive season of Christmas, New Year's Day and Epiphany, remains committed to the service of society, in order to ensure the safety of the public that will be trafficked on the road network and to prevent any criminal acts against citizens (burglaries and thefts, offences against property, car thefts, thefts from cars) that will be in public places and busy shopping streets.
During the above period, police personnel will work tirelessly with increased patrols (motorized and pedestrian) and checks on the main roads and the secondary road network.
Traffic arrangements – Movement on the road network
Due to the expected increase in traffic during the festive season, the presence of the Police on the main roads of the cities and especially on the interurban roads/ motorways will be intense. For this reason, traffic control of road traffic collisions will begin nationwide road traffic control from tomorrow, Thursday, December 23, 2021 and will last until January 6, 2022. During traffic checks, zero tolerance will be shown for the four main causes of serious and fatal road accidents involving speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, non-use of seat belts and a protective helmet. Special emphasis will also be placed on other serious traffic offences, such as non-free hands while driving, negligent overtaking, reckless, dangerous or negligent driving, violation of traffic lights, failure to observe a normal lane, failure to give priority to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings.
Measures to protect citizens' property
During the holidays there may be an increase in the commission of some offences against the public. Therefore, the Police, in the context of its preventive policy, invites the public to be particularly careful and advises citizens, when they are in public places and busy shopping streets, to follow the following:
- When they walk, to have their money and credit cards in the front pockets of their clothes and it would be good not to have with them large amounts of money, but the bare essentials.
- Persons carrying bags should not place all the money, credit cards, passports, etc. in them, while the bag is preferable to be placed in a way that has constant visual contact with it (e.g. across your chest).
- In cases where they visit shopping malls and shops, be particularly careful when entering the changing rooms and not leave their personal belongings exposed.
- Be especially careful where overcrowding prevails, as well as in dark and secluded places.
Also, citizens are urged to take preventive measures for the more effective guarding of their homes and shops as follows:
Homeowners :
- When they are absent from home, do not leave any clues that betray their absence.
- To make sure that the house is well locked and to cooperate with neighbours of their trust, for the interception of their homes.
- Do not leave the keys on the locks, not even on the inner side of the door.
- Not to leave exposed, under any circumstances, money, jewellery, important documents or other valuables, which are essentially the primary target of the perpetrators, and where possible, to keep them in a suitable safe.
- Make sure that they have secured doors, windows and lights.
- If they have an alarm system and/or a closed circuit television, make sure that they have been put into service and that they have not been damaged.
- We also recall the risks of posting personal data on social media platforms. Posts, which leave indications of absence from the house should be avoided, because without the owners wanting to, they target themselves, thus becoming targets of burglars.
Shop owners:
- The cash registers of their stores to be open and without content
- Do not leave large amounts of money in precarious places
- Do not leave their property exposed
- Have arranged, if possible, for the installation of alarm systems
- If there are alarm systems to check that these systems are modern, reliable and have not suffered any damage
- As far as electrical appliances are concerned, the serial numbers of the manufacturing company should be recorded.
Car thefts and car thefts:
The Police underline once again the multiple dangers of not taking preventive measures for the safe storage of motor vehicles.
More specifically, the public is invited to:
- Do not leave bags, briefcases, mobile phones, laptop computers or any other valuables, in visible places in the car, even if it is locked. The mere fact that these are visible to the thieves is an incentive to commit the theft.
- Under no circumstances should the car engine be left running when the driver or other occupants are not in it.
- Always lock the doors and fully raise the windows, even if the car is parked in front of its house, in a safe place.
- Always park his car in places where there is sufficient lighting. Dark or secluded spots make it easier for the thief.
- Never leave the keys in the starter or at the door, even if they will be absent for a very short time.
- To place an alarm in his car.
- Where there is a garage, this should be used.
- If there is a need to leave items in the vehicle, they should be placed in safe areas or in the luggage compartment.
Campaigns to combat offences of gambling, e-gambling and offences related to the law on private security service agencies
Due to the fact that, offences of gambling, e-gambling and offences relating to the law on private offices for the provision of security services, during the festive period are increased, the Police have already intensified its targeted and coordinated operations nationwide.
In such cases, the Police will show zero tolerance, while in case any information concerning the conduct of gambling or electronic gambling comes to the attention of the citizens, they will contact the Citizen's Hotline at 1460.
Immediate and timely information to citizens from the Police NDIs
Aiming at timely and valid information, the Police will continuously inform the public about important issues and news, as well as the condition of the road network.
Therefore, citizens are encouraged to follow the Police's Social Media (Police website (www.police.gov.cy), Facebook-Cyprus Police Official Account, Twitter, as well as the mobile phone app).
We also recall our new News Website (http://www. cypruspolicenews. com) in which there is a continuous flow of news on various issues/events of current affairs, useful telephone numbers, such as emergency and assistance telephone numbers, telephone numbers of Police Stations.
Provision of information to the Police
In view of the above, the public during the festive days is urged to be on standby and cooperate closely with the Police, while in cases where any information or movements of suspected persons or vehicles during the day or night come to their attention, they should immediately inform the Citizen's Hotline at the number 1460 or communicate with the telephone numbers of immediate response to the numbers 112 and 199.
