Filenews 29 December 2023
A few days separate us from the arrival of the new year and the Cyprus Police intensified measures to ensure the safety of the public.
During this period, the Police personnel work continuously and tirelessly, with increased patrols, continuous discreet and protective presence, close to the citizen and to provide timely and effective assistance.
Therefore, various campaigns have been planned and are being carried out, with the top priority, the safe movement of drivers on the road network, the protection of citizens' property from burglaries and thefts, the prevention of offenses such as theft of bags and wallets against citizens that will circulate on public and busy commercial streets, cubicles, begging and illegal fundraisers as follows:
Movements on the road network
Due to the fact that increased traffic is expected to be observed on the main roads of cities and especially on interurban roads and motorways, the presence of the Police will be intense, for the smooth conduct of traffic traffic, but also for the prevention of serious and fatal road collisions.
In the context of a nationwide road traffic collision prevention campaign, which will last until January 7, 2024, during traffic checks, special emphasis will be given and zero tolerance will be shown to the four main causes of serious and fatal road collisions involving speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and not wearing a seat belt and protective helmet.
Also, special emphasis will be given to serious traffic offenses such as careless and negligent driving, non-observance of the left side of the road, prohibited right turn, violation of traffic lights, failure to observe a normal traffic lane and negligent overtaking.
Measures to protect citizens' property
The Police, as part of its preventive policy, calls on the public to be especially careful during the holidays.
In addition to the measures taken by the Police, citizens are encouraged to take their own preventive measures.
Therefore, when in public places and busy shopping streets, citizens are advised to follow the following:
- When they walk, have their money and credit cards in the front pockets of their clothes and it would be better not to have large amounts of money with them, but the bare necessities.
- Persons carrying bags should not place all money, credit cards, passports, etc. in them, while the bag is preferable to be placed in such a way that there is constant visual contact with it (eg crosswise).
- In cases where they visit shopping malls and shops, be especially careful when entering the fitting rooms and do not leave their personal belongings exposed.
- Be especially careful where there is overcrowding, as well as in dark and secluded places.
Also, the holiday season we are going through is considered a period of high risk for burglaries and thefts.
For this reason, in addition to the efforts of the Police, citizens are urged to take preventive measures for the more effective security of their homes and shops as follows:
Homeowners
- When they are absent from home, do not leave any signs that betray their absence.
- Make sure the house is securely locked and cooperate with neighbours of their trust to monitor each other's homes.
- Do not leave the keys on the locks, not even on the inner side of the door.
- Do not leave exposed under any circumstances money, jewellery, important documents or other valuables, which are essentially the primary target of the perpetrators, and where possible, keep them in an appropriate safe.
- Make sure they have secured doors, windows and skylights.
- If they have an alarm system and/or closed circuit surveillance, ensure that they are switched on and that they are not damaged in any way.
- In addition, it is recommended that citizens limit to the minimum possible the storage of money and valuables in their places of residence.
Store owners
Leave the cash registers of their stores open and empty
- Do not leave large amounts of money in unsafe places
- Do not leave their property exposed
- Have arranged for the installation of alarm systems
- Check that these systems are modern, reliable and have not suffered any damage.
Car thefts and thefts from cars
At the same time, the problem of car thefts and car thefts persists.
The Police underline once again both the criminal responsibility of owners of motor vehicles and the multiple dangers lurking from not taking preventive measures for the safe storage of their vehicles.
Therefore, citizens are once again called upon to realize that they must fully comply with the provisions of the legislation, taking all necessary and reasonable measures so that their motor vehicles cannot be used by unauthorized persons.
In particular, the public is invited to:
- Do not leave bags, briefcases, mobile phones, laptops or any other valuables in visible places inside the car, even if it is locked. The mere fact that these are visible to fraudsters is an incentive to commit the theft.
- Do not leave their car running when they are not in the driver's seat.
- Make sure they have removed their car keys.
- Always lock the doors and fully raise the windows, even if the car is parked in front of their house, in a safe place.
- Always park his car in places where there is adequate street lighting. Dark or secluded spots make the work of craftsmen easier.
- Never leave the keys in the machine or in the door, even if he will be away even for a very short time.
- Place an alarm in his car.
- Where there is a garage to be used.
- If there is a need to leave items in the vehicle, they should be placed under the seats or in the luggage compartment.
Anti-begging campaign
As far as begging is concerned, it is noted that it is a criminal offense and is expressly prohibited by law. It is noted that some of the beggars may already be recipients of public assistance from the Social Welfare Services, while others may fake a condition or claim to be in need in order to extract donations.
In addition, it is not excluded that some may act within the framework of an organised network that exploits them and that some minors may be forced by third parties to beg.
Also, in some cases begging may be observed under the pretext of holding fundraisers. Some cunning, taking advantage of the philanthropic feelings of the public, especially during the holidays, conduct fundraisers without permission from the competent authority, which is the Ministry of Interior.
In these cases, it is emphasized that citizens have every right to be informed by the persons conducting fundraisers, whether they are conducted lawfully or not, by presenting the relevant permits from the Ministry of Interior.
In case illegal cases are detected and especially when minors are involved, the public is invited to inform the nearest Police Station or the Citizen's Communication Line at 1460 or contact the emergency numbers 112 and 199.
Social Media
Citizens are encouraged to monitor the websites of the Police (www.cypruspolicenews.com – www.police.gov.cy) as well as Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, App) for various announcements, tips and other issues of general interest to the public.
Campaigns to clamp down on trafficking offences
Regarding the issues of combating offenses related to lotteries, which during the festive period are increased, the Police announces the intensification of its targeted and coordinated operations throughout Cyprus.
Therefore, during the festive season, casinos, clubs, cafes, and other premises will be checked daily, both in cities and villages, in order to determine if there is any violation of the relevant Legislation.
As part of the preventive and anti-crime planning during the holidays, the Police will be next to the public aiming at the continuous and protective presence and the timely and effective provision of assistance to citizens.
For its part, the public, during the festive days, is urged to be alert and cooperate closely with the Police.
In cases where he/she becomes aware of any information or movements of suspicious persons and/or vehicles during the day or night, immediately inform the Citizen's Communication Line at 1460 or contact the emergency numbers 112 and 199.
During the holidays, our thoughts are with the citizens and we wish everyone a happy and safe New Year.
