SAFETY OF SHOPPERS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

 Cyprus Police 12 December 2023

We are entering the festive season of Christmas and the traffic of citizens for the necessary holiday shopping is expected to be increased. Possibly, however, incidents of theft of property from citizens may also be observed while they are visiting busy shopping centers, shops and restaurants. In such places, there is an increased risk of citizens being targeted by persons lurking to steal property, such as a wallet or a bag. For the purposes of preventing such phenomena and in addition to the efforts made by the Police to prevent theft from persons, the public is urged to be particularly careful and to take further measures to more effectively protect their property.

Indicatively, the following is a series of preventive measures that citizens are encouraged to take: - When we are walking or in busy streets or public places, we keep our money, bank credit cards and mobile phone in the front pockets of our clothes - When carrying a bag, do not put all money, bank credit cards and documents such as our passport and ID card inside the bag, unless absolutely necessary, since our bag is a target for theft by sophisticated people - Our bag is best carried in such a way that we have constant eye contact with it. It can, for example, be placed crosswise on our body, making it difficult for someone to pull it, dispossess it, or open it to steal its contents. - In cases where we visit malls and stores, we are extra careful and always have our personal belongings in our possession, without leaving them exposed anywhere - In places where there is overcrowding, but also in dark and isolated places, we are especially careful, since there the conditions are suitable to be a target for the theft of our property by astute people

More generally, the public is urged to be vigilant and cooperate closely with the Police and in case they spot anything suspicious, such as persons or vehicles moving suspiciously, to immediately inform the local Police Station or contact the Citizen's Line at the number 1460 or the emergency telephone line at numbers 112 and 199. Finally, always having our physical integrity, safety and health as a priority, we avoid any confrontation with any suspicious person, who may react aggressively against us. Discreet observation of suspicious persons and immediate notification of the Police is the safest way for citizens to handle such incidents.