ACTS OF selfless bravery are commendable but civilians should not turn into vigilantes in the face of crime, police yesterday said – a day after a 46-year-old man was shot dead while giving chase to a bank robber.
The victim, Iacovos Kyriacou, was in a Bank of Cyprus branch in Larnaca while it was being held up by a hooded perpetrator. Kyriacou then jumped into his car and pursued the suspect, who was on a moped, through the busy streets of Larnaca.
The chase ended at a supermarket car park, where Kyriacou managed to knock the suspect over with his car. As he got out of the car to confront the robber, the 46-year-old was shot in the stomach with a shotgun.
Kyriacou was taken to a nearby clinic and then to Larnaca General Hospital because of the seriousness of his injury. He succumbed to his injuries around 5pm.
According to media reports, as he lay on the operating table a badly hurt Kyriacou told doctors: “I want to live, I have two children…”
The gunman, 23-year-old Zanettos Tsapatsaris, is in police custody.
Kyriacou leaves behind a wife and two children aged 10 and 13.
Calling Kyriacou a “hero”, Justice Minister Sophocles Sophocleous nevertheless said the public should not take the law in their hands and leave criminals to the police.
“His actions were motivated by a sense of duty and morality, admirable traits. But at the same we do not encourage people to turn to vigilantism.”
He said Tsapastaris was a “dreg of society” and a very dangerous man.
Similar sentiments were expressed by newly appointed police chief Iacovos Papacostas, saying civilians’ assistance should be limited to giving police “timely and accurate information” where a crime is in progress.
And he issued these “guidelines” to civilians who were keen on helping law enforcement:
“Experience has shown that early warning and correct information is what solves armed robberies. We need a detailed description of a perpetrator, the make of the getaway vehicle and the licence plates, and the direction of the perpetrator’s flight.”
“There is no need for civilians to risk their life,” added Papacostas. “Nevertheless, some people will always act impulsively… you just cannot predict how someone will react to this kind of situation.”
But beyond the victim’s heroism, Monday’s shocking events raised the question of what could be done to prevent or deter armed robberies.
Asked whether armed guards should be posted outside banks, Papacostas said police did not encourage such a measure, but added that other steps – not to be publicised – were being taken.
In the meantime, he said, police would be working with bank employees in advising them on how to respond in the event of an armed robbery.
For his part, Justice Minister Sophocleous conceded there was “black hole” when it came to security at banks.
Charilaos Stavrakis, Bank of Cyprus’ deputy CEO, said commercial banks would be advising their staff on how best to handle robberies.
“To our own staff, we have given clear instructions that they are not to tackle or in way challenge a perpetrator…that they should give the money and let the police take it from there.”
He also expressed grief at the loss of life, saying the Bank of Cyprus would support the victim’s family financially, and would consider employing the two children when they came of age.
Meanwhile the bank employees’ union said they had their own “specific ideas” on how to stop robberies from happening.
“We need deterrence, not containment. We don’t want people chasing robbers around,” said union leader Loizos Hadjicostis.
Tsapatsaris, the man arrested in connection with the robbery and murder, already had six cases pending against him in court for offences committed in Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol and Ayia Napa on charges relating to theft and robberies.
He has also had brushes with the law over drugs possession.
Tsapatsaris was due to appear in court soon on an unrelated robbery charge and was out on restricted parole.
Despite serving some prison time, many of the previous cases against Tsapatsaris had either been dropped or ended in a suspended sentence after pleading guilty.
According to criminologist Andros Pashardis, Monday’s events were a stark demonstration of the failure of prison rehabilitation.
He said correctional officers at Cyprus’ overcrowded prisons lacked the necessary training, and in any case the prisons were understaffed.
Pashardis cited statistics showing that two-thirds of inmates have criminal records, and that out of these, half were released only to end up behind bars again.
“Prison staff do all they can do, but ultimately lack the means to implement a rehabilitation policy,” he said.
The victim’s funeral will be held today at the Ayios Anargiros church in Larnaca. The expenses will be fully covered by the police force. As a tribute, the Police Philharmonic will accompany Kyriacou to his final resting place. Kyriacou will also be awarded a posthumous medal of valour.
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