Cyprus Mail 12 August 2024 - by Jonathan Shkurko
An alarming surge in attacks on delivery drivers in Limassol has prompted concerns across the city, with reports indicating a sharp increase in the number of incidents over the past month.
The attacks, often carried out by groups of young people, have left many drivers not only robbed of their deliveries but also physically assaulted, sometimes severely.
In response to the escalating violence, a protest has been organised for Monday at the old port area of Limassol, where around 60 delivery drivers are expected to gather. The protest aims to bring attention to the dangers faced by those working in the delivery sector, particularly during evening hours.
Rajesh, a delivery driver working in Limassol, described the recent surge in attacks as “unprecedented”.
“In the past month alone, between five and ten drivers are attacked or robbed every night in different areas and neighbourhoods,” he told the Cyprus Mail. “Some ‘only’ get their items stolen, others, however, aside from being robbed are also beaten up, sometimes seriously.”
Rajesh recounted a particularly harrowing incident that took place last Friday in Ypsonas, where a delivery driver was threatened with a knife and forced to abandon his scooter to flee on foot.
“I know the person who was attacked,” Rajesh said. “He told me he went to the police to report the incident, but he was told that, although the attacker is known to the authorities, there is nothing they can do.”
The violence has not only been limited to threats. According to Rajesh, last week, an Indian national was brutally beaten with a crowbar near Yermasoyia, requiring urgent hospital treatment for a severe leg injury.
“Every time we go to the police, we get the same answer. It has become dangerous to do our job,” Rajesh said.
The delivery drivers’ frustration is also explained by what they perceive as a lack of timely response from law enforcement.
“Even when officers are dispatched to the affected areas, they arrive too late to identify the perpetrators,” Rajesh continued. “We’re often told to avoid certain areas because they are ‘too dangerous’, but we can’t do that. We have to deliver where the orders come from, we don’t have a choice. Simply put, Limassol after 8pm is too dangerous for us to work.”
As the drivers prepare for Monday’s protest, there are concerns about whether they will be allowed to demonstrate.
“That is if the police let us,” Rajesh said. “I would not be surprised if they come and tell us to vacate the area. This is how things go, unfortunately.”
In response to the rising number of incidents, Limassol police spokesperson Lefteris Kyriacou acknowledged the severity of the situation.
“In the past month, we have received more complaints than usual from delivery drivers,” he said. “However, I want to make it clear that every time we receive such complaints and reports, we act immediately. They are unfortunately many, and we are doing our best to identify all perpetrators.”
Kyriacou also added that several arrests have been made in connection with the attacks on delivery drivers.
“Those arrested were placed in custody and remanded. We are aware of the situation and of its gravity,” he assured.
However, Kyriacou also pointed out that some drivers choose not to report incidents to the police, possibly due to their illegal working status.
“Some drivers don’t want to have anything to do with the police because they are not even allowed to work,” he explained.
