Last week, in the center of Nicosia, namely on the streets of Ledra and Onasagoras and Faneroi Square, armed police patrols were seen. And in the Square of Freedom, residents saw motorcyclists from the Zita quick response group. What is the reason for such close attention of the authorities to the security of the center of the capital?
The official reason that was called the Minister of Justice Marios Harziotis at a press conference on September 25 sounds like this: to ensure safe space and peaceful coexistence of residents, entrepreneurs, students and guests of the city.
Harziotis invited journalists to a police station on Ledra Street, located in the very center of the capital. He said that the strengthening of security measures began in January of this year with the involvement of several departments that had not previously been directly involved in the inspections, for example, the Department of Internal Revenues, the Social Insurance Service, the Service for the Payment of VAT, Doctors and Fires. Groups of employees visited retail outlets in the center of Nicosia to check how legally they work. In some cases, it turned out that the owners remade their stores for hostels for refugees. During such targeted checks, authorities identified sanitary violations, inappropriate living conditions and illegal employment, as well as non -compliance with fire safety. Fines were imposed on violators, several cases were decided to be transferred to the court.
“These operations were prophylactic and restraining,” said Harziotis. - They were intended not only for collecting fines, but also to strengthen a sense of security of citizens. Such measures will be held with a frequency two to three times a month. ” He thanked all the involved departments and especially the police for organizing and effective work.
Marios Khartziotis also announced two additional security measures: the beginning of the armed patrolling of the historical center by the forces of the rapid response unit and the constant presence of motorcyclists from the Zita detachment in the Square of Freedom for the immediate suppression of illegal incidents.
Panikon’s deputy chief of Panicos, Stavra, confirmed that measures are already being implemented and bear fruit. “From the past weekend (that is, from September 20-21-approx. VK), employees of the quick response unit began to be present in the area. This contributed to a decrease in crime and an increase in the number of repatriations of illegal immigrants, ”he said. From January 1 to today, almost 10,000 deportations have been held, which already exceeds the 2024 indicator. “This indicates the effectiveness of operations carried out by the police in cooperation with competent services,” said Stavru.
The mayor of Nicosia Kharalambos Prundzos positively appreciated the initiative of the Ministry of Justice. “The presence of the police in the old city is crucial so that residents, students and experts feel safe. This is especially important in connection with the relocation of university departments here and an increase in the presence of youth in this area, ”the mayor said.
The upcoming opening of the branches of Greek universities in the center of Nicosia media is called the main reason for the strengthening of patrolling.
The text is prepared based on the materials of Cyprus Mail, "Filelefteros" and 24.Sports.com
