Police stepping up presence over holiday weekend

Police said they will be stepping up their presence over the Kataklysmos long weekend to avert traffic collisions, protect properties and prevent fires.

In a written statement, police said that in anticipation of heavier traffic, they will be taking additional measures on the roads to prevent accidents and ease congestion.  There will be more police patrols and an increased presence of police officers, particularly on main roads leading to the coast and the mountains.

Emphasis will be on speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and failure to wear a seatbelt or helmet.

In addition, increased measures will be taken on Monday afternoon as the public returns from the coast.

As regards crime prevention, police noted that three-day weekends such as this are considered high risk for burglaries as thieves seek to take advantage of residents’ absence from their homes.

“For this reason, police is taking additional measures to prevent crime particularly against property such as burglaries and thefts with foot and motorised patrols in towns and in the countryside,” the announcement said, as it also urged the public to take measures to protect their property.

Beachgoers should only take the money needed and avowing taking valuables such as jewellery, watches, cameras and mobile phones. If they do take such items, these should not be left unattended.

As regards tourism accommodation, care must be taken to close and lock windows and doors when they are not there. Valuables should be left with reception or other suitable alternatives.

When leaving their homes, the public should not leave indications that they are away and cooperate with neighbours they trust to keep an eye on each other’s homes. Keys should not be left in the lock, even in the interior, nor should cash, valuables or important documents be visible. They should make sure that doors and windows are secured, and make sure the alarm system, if they have one, is on.

Shop owners should leave their cash registers open and without any money, make sure they have installed alarm systems and operate well and not leave money or property exposed.

The public is urged to be particularly careful on busy streets and public areas. Cash and credit cards should be in front pockets and women should not carry all their cash and credit cards in their bags.

Police also had advice on preventing fires and warned that it would be relentless against those who light fires in the countryside. The public should be alert and contact the police citizens’ contact line on 1460.