THE NUMBER of burglaries in Paphos last year numbered almost 500, more than any other town, and although the figure was only 25 higher than 2010, the rise was worrying, police said yesterday.
So far this year there have been ten.
Police warned residents in the coastal town to be vigilant in securing properties and taking measures to combat the phenomena.
Paphos police spokesman Nicos Tsapis told the Cyprus Mail:” The increase in the number of reported cases of burglaries in 2011 was small – but it has increased slightly.”
Klitos Erotokritou, who heads up the criminal investigation department of Paphos police, said: “Twenty-five more burglaries occurred in Paphos in 2011 compared with 2010. Last year 491 instances were reported to us and in 2010 there were 466.”
Tsapis said the rising numbers were due to a number of factors, including the economic crisis.
“Although there isn’t a big increase in numbers of burglaries there is a marked upward trend since the crisis hit the town.”
Erotokritou said that in 2010 police solved 30 per cent of reported cases but last year, this had fallen to 27 per cent.
Tsapis added that reinforcement of the police force would be helpful as the presence of more officers would make their job easier.
The head of CID assured that police took all of the necessary efforts and followed up all leads concerning the investigation of reported cases.
He said: “Police measures include an increase in the number of patrols, especially at night, as well as a strong visible police presence in various parts of the city which are hot spots.” He continued, “We are also interviewing people, gathering information and checking vehicles.”
Erotokritou added: “Home owners must make sure their homes are secure when they leave them. Double lock all doors, set alarms and leave a light switched on. It’s also a good idea to ask neighbours to keep an eye on your home.”
Homes, hotels and restaurants are primary targets for burglars. The thefts mainly included electronic items, jewellery and money. There were also instances in Paphos of food being taken from refrigerators ”apparently because the thieves were hungry,” a police announcement said.
Barrie and Caroline Carter, reside in the Sea caves area in Paphos. Last year their collection of gold coins – their nest egg – which was valued at €200,000 was stolen from their home when they went for a rare night out. The coins were uninsured but secure, they believed, because they were kept inside a heavy, hidden safe, guarded by four large dogs inside their locked bedroom.
Barrie told the Cyprus Mail: “Our coins were never found but the police were very helpful and did all that they could with the resources they have. I believe we will see an increase in the numbers of CCTV equipment being fitted to homes as well as alarms.”
He added: “Cyprus will follow the trend that occurred in the UK a few years ago. I think the economic crisis is to blame for the increase in the number of burglaries and thefts.”
Yesterday, a 23 year old Paphos resident appeared before the court in connection with a case of burglary and theft. He was remanded for three days.
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