Concern for the safety of citizens in Limassol is expressed by the MP and chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Fotini Tsiridou, who raises serious questions to the Minister of Justice Costas Fytiris about the adequacy of policing in the city's public spaces, but also about the need to strengthen measures to prevent delinquency and crime.
On the occasion of the complaint about the indecent assault and harassment of a woman in Dasoudi, Ms. Tsiridou brings back to the fore the issue of policing in Limassol and asks for answers about the "Police House" on Anexartisias Street, the patrols in the coastal area, the lighting and security on the pedestrian streets, but also the wider planning for the prevention of crime in the city.
It also raises the need for increased police presence, more patrols and a comprehensive crime prevention plan. As she states in her letter to the Minister, the reason for the questions she raises, among other things, is the recent complaint of a woman for an indecent attack in Dasoudi, an incident which is being investigated by the Police.
Among the issues for which he asks for answers is the operation of the "Police House" on Anexartisias Street, which operated for a certain period of time, however today it remains closed. At the same time, it raises questions about the police presence and patrols in the coastal area, especially during the afternoon and evening hours, as well as about safety on the sidewalks and lighting in places that may create conditions of increased risk for citizens.
Finally, he asks to be informed about the planning of the Ministry and the Police for the further strengthening of community policing in Limassol, through the institution of the neighborhood police officer, bicycle patrols and the enhanced presence of police officers in public spaces.
These are the questions:
In view of the above, the Minister of Justice and Public Order is invited to inform the House of Representatives of the following:
1 a) In relation to the "Police House" on Anexartisias Street, which was created by decision of the Council of Ministers in October 2020, as an initiative to strengthen policing in the center of Limassol and a space for serving citizens on a 24-hour basis, it is a fact that this area, despite the fact that it is still at the disposal of the Police, It is not being used today for the purpose for which it was created. Given that the reasons and needs that led to its creation still exist, and taking into account the increased needs for delinquency prevention, a visible police presence and a strengthening of the sense of security in the city center, why has it not reopened to date? Has the Police evaluated its reopening as an operational point of community policing and immediate response and, if not, what are the reasons why this has not been done, even though the citizens, the local authority and organized bodies of the city consider its operation to be very important?
b) Furthermore, is there a specific timetable or plan for its reopening, given that the utilization of an already available infrastructure at this particular key point of the city could contribute substantially to the restoration of a permanent and visible police presence in busy parts of the historic center and, above all, to the strengthening of the sense of security of citizens, employees and small and medium-sized enterprises in the area?
2 What specific measures are being taken for the safety of citizens who use the pedestrian walkways and routes along the coastal area of Limassol, including the area of Dasoudi, especially during the afternoon and evening hours? Has the adequacy of the police presence and patrol in the specific areas been evaluated?
3 Has there been a recording or evaluation of points along the coastal pedestrian streets where there may be problems of insufficient lighting, reduced visibility or other factors that may create conditions of increased risk for the users of the areas, carried out, in cooperation with the Municipality of Limassol and other competent bodies? If so, what measures have been taken or are planned to address these problems?
4 What is the Ministry's and the Police's plan to further strengthen and develop community policing in Limassol, taking into account the effectiveness and deterrent value of practices such as the institution of the Neighbourhood Police Officer, bicycle patrols and the immediate and visible presence of police officers in neighbourhoods and public spaces?
5 Is there any plan to create a comprehensive crime prevention plan for Limassol, in cooperation with the Municipality, local authorities, professional bodies and citizens' organizations, with the aim not only of suppressing but mainly of preventing delinquency and strengthening the sense of security of the city's residents and visitors?
