SBA police bid to track down arsonists

THE Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police have said they are doing everything in their power to catch the perpetrators of a series of arson attacks in the Xylotombou farming area over the past 18 months.

Jim Guy, chief superintendent of the SBA Police, yesterday told the Cyprus Mail, “we have arrested and interviewed a number of suspects but there has been insufficient evidence to progress with charges. This has been the number one priority of the Dhekelia SBA Police for over a year and we have committed enormous resources to this problem and have worked in conjunction with the farmers. Jointly, we have watched and patrolled the area and have carried out nightly watches in particular locations and situations.”

Guy said he had personally met with farmers, local MPs and other representatives to “assure them of my continued commitment in bringing the matter to a close. I have also appeared in front of a House of Representatives Committee, explaining the measures we have taken and our intentions.”

He went on to say that, “we have every sympathy with those who have suffered damage and share their sense of frustration. But in any democratic society, real evidence is needed before people can be taken to court.”

Guy noted that there has been an increase in crime, in general, on the bases, “but this reflects the position across the whole island. He noted that fuel had also been stolen recently, which is a reflection of its increasing price.

On Monday, farmers will be marching from Xylotymbou to the Dhekelia SBA Police Station, where they will present a petition, expressing their growing concern over the situation, asking the police to devote even more resources to the problem.

The British bases have their own court, legal system and prison for the entire SBA area, with Guy emphasising that “we work in close co-operation with the Republic of Cyprus Police.”