Two arrests as police investigate burglaries in Paphos

Paphos police are investigating attempts to break into two buildings and a church, as well burglaries of hotel rooms and possession of burglary tools, the Cyprus News Agency reported on Tuesday.

Paphos deputy police chief Michalis Ioannou said that on Monday the owner of a gym had filed a complaint that between December 24 and 27, an attempt had been made to break into the premises.

He said that the woman had checked CCTV and seen that at around 2.00 am on Christmas eve a man had tried to break the lock of the gym door. Police examined the footage and identified a 34-year-old man permanent resident of Paphos. An arrest warrant was issued, but police have still not been able to track him down.

Ioannou added that at 7.45 am on Monday, a security guard at a Paphos hotel had reported to police that he had seen on the hotel’s cameras a white car parking next to Ayios Georgios church in Chlorakas. Two individuals got out, and unsuccessfully attempted to break into the church. They left, but one returned and was seen walking to a neighbouring hotel.

The car was put under surveillance. When the driver approached, police found in his possession a knife and other items. He was arrested for possessing a knife and possession of stolen property. On his person, police found other burglary tools and a debit card in someone else’s name.

He then showed police the hotel rooms from where he had stolen the items.

Police established that the 46-year-old man is a permanent resident of Cyprus and owner of the vehicle spotted by the security guard. The second man in the car was identified as a 20-year-old man who is known to police for burglaries. He too was arrested.