Filenews 22 November 2025 - by Michalis Chatzivasilis
The way of policing the neighbourhood and the parks is changing to make them safer for the citizen. Soon the mapping of parks in all cities will begin, it will be examined which are the most infamous that produce crime and it will be placed in this SOS button.
All this is the new policing plan promoted by the Police Headquarters and Trust Insurance will also assist in this, through a memorandum signed by the two organizations a few days ago.
Crimes against property increase every year with the Police wasting a lot of resources and staff to investigate them, while millions of euros of citizens' property are lost and pass into the hands of illegals. Last year, according to data obtained by "F", 1598 burglaries and thefts were recorded throughout Cyprus, i.e. 966 burglaries and 632 thefts, a number that is increased, which is why it is necessary to take targeted measures to protect the property of citizens.
According to the memorandum of cooperation signed by the Police with the insurance company Trust Insurance Cyprus, all parks and common areas will be mapped, to find the areas that have serious crime problems. The aim is to illuminate the neighbourhoods where there is insufficient lighting to prevent criminal acts. It is also provided:
◗ Strengthening of the Neighbourhood Police Officer and mapping of communities.
◗ Strengthening the institution of the Neighbourhood Observer.
◗ The recording of all dark spots in parks, streets and neighbourhoods in order to recruit police officers for the security of these areas.
◗ The implementation of SAFEZONE CY.
Using the Safe Button
An innovation in the new way of policing parks and neighbourhoods is the use of the safe button. This is an SOS notification system that will be installed in parks and neighbourhoods that show increased criminal activity, with the aim that when there is danger, the Police will be notified by pressing the button. This planning was done many years ago, but it remained on paper and is now being reinstated, since many criminal activities take place during the evening hours in parks where the areas are not sufficiently lit and the illegals commit their double bands undisturbed.
According to the Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, with the new policing model, emphasis will be placed on the Neighbourhood Police Officer and the protection of property, while with the new recruitments in the Police, actions will be taken to strengthen the institution of the Neighbourhood Police Officer. Speaking after the signing of the memorandum, Mr. Arnaoutis said that the memorandum with Trust Insurance is a partnership based on collective responsibility, respect for the citizen and the vision for effective crime prevention through measurable, applicable actions.
In the meantime, according to the new spokesman of the Police, Byron Byron, the Police will begin their actions to prevent burglaries and thefts against property during the Christmas holiday period. The actions will aim to take measures by the residents and concern the use of cameras, alarm systems and to experience locking their homes.
