Filenews 10 August 2023
Burglaries, robberies and thefts decreased in the first half of 2023 compared to the same half of 2022, according to Police data.
Police Spokesperson Christos Andreou said that in the first half of 2022 70 robbery-related offences had been recorded and in the first half of 2023 36 were recorded, saying that a decrease of around 48.57% was observed.
Regarding burglaries, Mr. Andreou said that in the first half of 2022 there were 524 registered cases and for the first half of 2023 506 had been recorded, recording a slight decrease of 3.43%.
Regarding thefts, he said that there is also a decrease of around 18.9%, noting that the number of cases for the first half of 2022 was 301, compared to 244 in the first half of 2023.
Asked about the number of solved cases, the Police Spokesperson said that in 2022 burglary cases had 59.5% solved and in terms of thefts 50.4%. He also said that for 2021 the detection rate of burglaries was 54% and of theft cases 45.7%. Mr. Andreou noted that in the first half of 2023 the detection rate was 60.87% in terms of burglaries and in terms of thefts 41.39%.
"The police receive and carry out special action plans, orders of operations with motorized and foot patrols to avoid offences against persons, such as thefts, robberies and burglaries," he noted.
During the summer season, he said, "there is an increase in offences against property involving either burglary or theft", noting that the Police are taking the necessary actions and recommendations to citizens.
He also stated that the Police are constantly urging and announcing to the public to take measures to protect their property and personal belongings.
Asked where the perpetrators usually turn mainly during the summer months, Andreou said that burglaries take place in apartments, residences or even hotel rooms, while thefts take place on beaches, as well as from vehicles.
"Police advise homeowners in their absence not to leave any signs that betray their absence, to cooperate with neighbours of their trust in the mutual surveillance of their homes, not to leave keys on the locks or even on the inside of the door," he said. Also, he added, they should not leave exposed money, jewellery, important documents or other valuables, and where possible kept in a safe.
He noted that homeowners should make sure they have secured doors, windows and skylights, adding that if they have an alarm system or CCTV to make sure that they have turned them on and that they have not suffered any damage.
He also said that it has been observed that in many cases persons who are either abroad or on vacation outside their home make posts on various social media indicating that they are absent and this, as Mr. Andreou said, "is like informing the would-be perpetrators that I am absent from my residence and the field is free".
Mr. Andreou said that regarding thefts made by persons in crowded or public places, the public is urged to be especially careful and indicatively mentioned that money and credit cards should be placed in the front pockets of clothes and bags should preferably be carried in such a way that there is constant visual contact.
He added that as far as beaches are concerned, it is only recommended to carry the necessary amount of money and avoid carrying high-value items such as jewellery, watches, cameras, mobile phones and more. He pointed out that in case such items are transported, under no circumstances should they be left unattended.
Mr. Andreou said that as far as hotels or tourist accommodation are concerned, every time residents leave their room, they should make sure that the windows and doors are closed and secured, they should not carry with them money or valuables that they will not need when leaving, while valuables can be left in the reception area or in another specially designed area of the hotel or accommodation.
Mr. Andreou stressed that in addition to the measures taken by the Police and the public, they should also take precautionary measures to safeguard their property before leaving their home and during their holidays.
CNA
