Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis visited the new police station at Anexartisias street in Limassol on Wednesday, saying that the goal is to help locals feel safer.

She was accompanied by police chief Stelios Papatheodorou

The new station will serve the Limassol city centre, which is considered the city’s busiest commercial area as it plays host to several government and semi-government services as well as bars, restaurants and cafes.

“We want to bring back the old neighbourhoods in Limassol, we want people to feel safe and able to move around with their families until very late at night in our city centres,” Yiolitis said.

The pandemic has distorted the police’s duties, putting them in a position against the public, which is not their traditional role, she said.

The minister thanked everyone involved including Limassol municipality and the Limassol bishopric for donating the space, the police and the defence ministry.

Papatheodorou said the ultimate goal of the new police station is to enforce law and order in the area and help locals

Pointing to Nicosia, the police chief said that the opening of a police station in Ledra street has contributed to policing and public safety in the area.

The Limassol station will operate 24 hours a day with 15 members of staff, of whom eight will patrol the area on bicycles. It will also employ seven district police officers.

The Anexartisias station will operate under the jurisdiction of the main Limassol police station, with patrols carried out by bicycle, motorcycle, and on foot to prevent crime, ensure the safety of local residents and help the public with information.