Police probe wave of intimidation against Polemidhia farmers

A SPATE of animal poisoning and thefts in the Kato Polemidhia area in Limassol have placed local police authorities on alert, but so far information on the perpetrators or their motives is sketchy at best.

Local stock breeders have for months now been complaining they are being terrorised by unknown men who have on several occasions poisoned or stolen farm animals and caused damage to property.

Last Sunday, shots were fired at a farm shack, and the terrified owner later reported this to police. Limassol police chief has asked the local CID head to investigate, and has ordered 24-hour patrols in the area in a bid to catch the perpetrators.

Already, six suspects have been questioned, but no leads came up.

For their part, local livestock breeders believe that the terror tactics are being carried out by a “gang” of hired men acting on behalf of vested interests.

According to Nicos Kouloumas, president of the stockbreeders’ association, livestock breeders are being pressured by certain quarters into moving their farms to another area, suggesting a link with the intimidation tactics.

Local stockbreeders have said they have no trouble relocating, provided the government finds them an alternative.

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