SBA Police issues Easter banger warning

A Greek Cypriot man from Xylotymbou will appear in an SBA court in Dhekelia on May 10 after being arrested last Friday for possession of 40 Easter bangers, riding a motorcycle without a licence and insurance, testing positive for cocaine and being over the legal alcohol limit.

The SBA Police Community Action Team has increased its presence within the local community in the build-up to Easter weekend, which is a notoriously busy time for officers as the use of illegal bangers becomes widespread.

The man, who was stopped just outside of Pyla Village within the SBAs, is now facing multiple serious charges and according to Superintendent Andreas Pitsillides, the Deputy Divisional Commander of the SBA Police in Dhekelia, this arrest serves as a warning in the build-up to Easter.

He said: “The SBA Police has conducted several operations in the areas of Pyla, Pergamos, Xylotymbou, Ormidhia, Xylophagou and Achna Forest, to prevent such illegal activities taking place during the Easter period, especially the use of Easter bangers and other forms of home-made explosives, which are illegal and dangerous.

“We will continue combatting and targeting Easter bangers, anti-social and illegal bonfires within our jurisdiction and this will be done with our community leaders, the Cyprus Police, SBA Customs and the UN Police, to protect individuals from endangering themselves and others.”

Superintendent Pitsillides also revealed his team, alongside CyPol, have also undertaken a comprehensive education programme within local schools.

He continued: “We have conducted several presentations within schools to highlight the consequences of the illegal use of fireworks and Easter bangers and lighting illegal bonfires.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for these offences, and we are encouraging citizens of the community to work with us and come forward to provide information to the police in an effort to combat and eliminate criminal activity of this nature.”