Car break-ins in Larnaca are becoming catastrophic. According to data presented to Parliament by the Minister of Justice and Public Order Marios Chartziotis, from January to August 2024, that is, within eight months, 196 complaints of vehicle theft were filed, of which 161 occurred in the city of Larnaca, and the rest in rural areas .
Of the 196 complaints, only eight were resolved.
Personal belongings of vehicle owners such as bags, wallets, electronics, mobile phones and cash were stolen. In particular, the data submitted to Parliament regarding vehicle thefts for the first eight months of 2024 in the city of Larnaca are as follows:
01/01/2024 – 01/31/2024: 36 vehicle break-ins 01/02/2024 – 02/29/2024: 16 vehicle break-ins 01/03/2024 – 03/31/2024: 12 vehicle break-ins 01/04/2024 – 04/30/2024: 28 vehicle break-ins 05 .01.2024 – 31.05. 2024: 14 vehicle break-ins 01/06/2024 – 06/30/2024: 24 vehicle break-ins 01/07/2024 – 07/31/2024: 19 vehicle break-ins 01/08/2024 – 08/28/2024: 12 vehicle break-ins
The above-mentioned complaints were made in the commercial sector of the city, where the victims' vehicles were located at Phinikoudes and Mackenzie Quays, as well as at the Metropolis Shopping Centre.
Regarding vehicle thefts for the first eight months of 2024 in Larnaca province, the data is as follows:
01/01/2024 – 01/31/2024: Five vehicle burglaries. 01/02/2024 – 02/29/2024: No complaints. 01/03/2024 – 03/31/2024: Four vehicle burglaries. 01/04/2024 – 04/30/2024: Four vehicle burglaries. 05/01. 2024 - 05/31/2024: Six vehicle thefts.01/06/2024 - 06/30/2024: Seven vehicle thefts01/07/2024 - 07/31/2024: Six vehicle thefts.01/08/2024 - 08/28/2024: Three vehicle break-ins.
The above complaints were filed in the areas of Aradippou, Livadia, Oroklini, Pyla, Kitio and Kofinou. Six cases were solved in the city of Larnaca and two cases in the province of Larnaca.
According to the Ministry of Justice, repressive measures are being taken to combat this phenomenon:
There is an analysis of cases, mapping of territories and targeted operations in them. Analysis of information and identification of persons suspected of involvement and interrogation. Informing the population about measures to protect their property. After the restoration of the institution of bicycle police, a noticeable decrease in the number of thefts is observed and even better results are expected.
DISY MP Nikos Georgiou, who first highlighted the issue, spoke about the organized criminal activity that operates in the city center of Larnaca.
In particular, he stated the following: “The evidence presented in the response of the Minister of Justice confirms the scale of the problem. A total of 161 cases of theft of property from parked vehicles were recorded in the city of Larnaca from January to August 2024. The activities of the robbers actually extend to the busy areas of Larnaca, the shopping center and the Phinikoudes Mackenzie promenade. All the evidence, the number of complaints and the extent of the robbers' activities point to organized criminal activity."
Source: larnakaonline.com.cy
