By Evie Andreou
AS the majority of Cypriots are getting ready to depart for their summer holidays or get away for the long weekend ahead, increased security measures will be in place to prevent road accidents and house break-ins, police spokesman Andreas Angelides said on Thursday.
Due to the increased traffic that is expected on the island’s road network from Friday to Monday, police presence will be increased along main and secondary roads, especially those that lead to coastal and mountain resorts, Angelides said in a statement.
The aim is to protect and serve the public, the statement said, to prevent road accidents, alleviate possible congestion, and assist the smooth flow of vehicles.
“These measures include patrols, regulation and control of road traffic, with particular emphasis on offenses relating to speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol, non-use of seat belts and helmets and dangerous/careless driving, and offenses that contribute to causing fatal and serious road accidents,” it said.
Due to the fact that it is considered as a high-risk period for burglaries and thefts, police will also increase patrols in urban and rural areas to prevent break-ins and will also be present in areas with increased circulation, such as shopping streets or crowded places and resorts.
“In tandem with these measures, we urge members of the public to contribute by taking their own additional measures as regards the safety of their residences and protection and safekeeping of their property,” the announcement said.
Citizens are advised not to leave indications that betray their absence from their homes and cooperate with neighbours they trust to watch each other’s property, it said.
Moreover, they are advised not to leave keys on locks, not even on the inner side of doors, not leave their valuables exposed, and place them in safes if available and make sure they have secured doors, windows and ventilation shafts.
They should also avoid leaving outside garden tools, ladders or other items that could facilitate thieves to break into their homes. If the house has an alarm system or surveillance cameras, owners need to make sure they have turned them on and also check whether they operate or experience technical problems.
As regards shop owners, Angelides said that it is best they leave their establishments’ cash registers open, avoid leaving large sums of money in precarious places and not leave their property exposed. They should also register the serial numbers of the electronic devices.
The public needs also to be careful when in crowded places and place their personal items, wallets and credit cards in their front pockets or leave them in safe places in their hotel rooms or lodgings.
He also advises that when on the beach, holidaymakers carry on them small amounts of money, avoid carrying expensive objects and always keep an eye on their belongings.
