THE FIRST neighbourhood watch scheme in Cyprus looks set to be implemented in Peyia in Paphos.
Peyia Mayor Neofytos Akourshiotis, in an interview on local radio, confirmed the project would start on a pilot basis covering the whole of the municipality. This would include areas, which are not so densely populated and contain a large number of holiday homes, which are often left
“Many holidaymakers who have bought houses in the area want to come for a peaceful relaxing holiday and instead are often faced with burglaries,” he said.
“This new way of policing Peyia will be a co-operation between residents, the local authorities and the police. He added that the scheme is a “good way for residents to become actively involved in the protection and security of their own property.”
Peyia has a large British expat population that include both residents and holiday homeowners whose properties are often targeted by would-be burglars.
But local councillor Linda Leblanc said that the scheme was community based and would be beneficial for everyone not just foreigners.
“We’ve seen a large increase in burglaries in Peyia, especially since the beginning of the year,” she said.
“The perpetrators are getting more confident as well, some homes are being broken into during the daytime.”
As a sign of the times Leblanc said some burglars were even stealing food.
“I think the situation will get worse if the crisis deepens and it’s important to take measures now,” she said.
The councillor, amongst others, has been trying to get the scheme off the ground since 2007.
“Our community policeman Spyros Pentaras has been a great help. He’s been working quietly behind the scenes and attending meetings at police headquarters in Nicosia on the subject,” she added.
However there were only so many police “and they can’t be everywhere all the time” she said.
Neighbourhood watch is in place in many countries across the world and works well.
When the scheme was first examined a couple of years ago, a number of permanent residents were identified who had previous experience with neighbourhood watch in the UK.
“A coordinator will liaise with the community police. But it’s important to point out that the scheme operates with the support of the police and is not run by the police. So any personal details are not logged with them. All the details are kept private,” said leblanc.
She believes the scheme will be a very positive move for Peyia and will help bring people together. “It’s not just about overseas residents and property owners. Cypriots own many of the holiday homes, which are being targeted,” she added.
“Obviously a rising crime rate is going to affect tourism and that’s not good for anyone.”
Spyros Pentaras, the Peyia community police officer confirmed: “We are trying to make all the necessary arrangements in order for the scheme to be able to work, but we are in the preliminary stages.”
“The chief of police will come to Peyia to meet with local officials and other groups to discuss the issue next Tuesday. It’s important that we reduce the crime rate in Peyia and I hope the neighbourhood watch will be up and running by the start of summer,” he said.
Mayor Akourshiotis said he hoped the pilot scheme was a success, and that it could then be applied to all areas of Cyprus.
