Warning over fire risk
THE FORESTRY department yesterday issued a warning that due to soaring temperatures around the island over the next few days, the possibility of fires starting was high and cautioned people not to be careless and start fires unawares.
“Any careless or other act could easily turn into an uncontrollable fire with unforeseen consequences for our forests and the environment in general,” the statement read.
“The public is being asked to be especially careful and to avoid lighting fires or any other behaviour that could cause a catastrophic fire.”
Anyone who notices a fire in or around the forest should telephone 1407 or notify the nearest police or fire station, the Forestry department said.
More thefts across island
THIEVES made off with nearly £1,500 worth of valuables from a Paphos home, police said yesterday. According to the homeowner, the theft took place sometime between 7am on Monday and 7am on Wednesday and the thieves stole various electrical goods valued at around £1,495. Peyia police are investigating.
Meanwhile a Limassol woman reported her car was broken into sometime on Wednesday night. The thieves broke the driver’s seat window and stole £300, 300 euro, credit cards and various other items valued at around £150. The car had been parked at the junction of Athenon Street and Vasiliou Makedonos Street in Limassol. Limassol CID is investigating.
Theft arrests
TWO PEOPLE were arrested on Wednesday night in connection to a spate of thefts which took place in Nicosia. The first person was arrested on suspicion of stealing money, watches and other items amounting to £10,599 from shops in Aglandjia.
The two suspects are also believed to have committed other robberies during 2003 in various parts of Nicosia.
Cancer patients protest
CANCER PATIENTS yesterday gathered outside Parliament House to protest against the government’s decision to close down the oncology ward at the Nicosia General Hospital.
Fifteen patients lay down on the pavement, saying that the authorities did not hear their complaints and that the state has neglected them.
Representative Christos Andreou said that the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre was not enough to treat the patients as the waiting list is too long. This forces some to go to Aradafnousa hospice and others are left to die.
After waiting for half an hour the patients were finally seen by the House Health Committee. Andreou complained that the radiography machine had broken down and said that it would only cost £200 to be fixed and could serve 40 people per day.
There are currently 4,000 cancer patients on the island. The Committee’s president Antonis Karas said that the Health Minister would be called to discuss the matter.
In response to the protest Health Minister Dina Akkelidou said that the reason for closing down the ward would be to renovate it and make it better for patients and that there is the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre.
She added that an oncology ward would not be ruled out at the new hospital.
Animal cruelty investigated
LARNACA C.I.D. is investigating the poisoning of a stray kitten, police said yesterday.
Just after 7pm on Wednesday, strangers appear to have poisoned the kitten’s food, which was being cared for by a Larnaca resident. CID officers visited the scene and removed the cat’s remains, as well as the remaining food found at the scene.
Assault arrest
A 19-YEAR-OLD Limassol man was arrested in remanded in custody in connection with assaulting and causing real bodily harm to a teenage tourist, police said yesterday.
According to police, the 19-year-old admitted to hitting the other 19-year-old.
Pissouri police is investigating the incident.
