A 33-year-old man was remanded for eight days by the Famagusta district court on Wednesday to facilitate police investigations into a string of burglary and shoplifting cases in Ayia Napa.

According to Famagusta police spokesman Steve Theodoulou, the man is facing accusations of burglary, shoplifting, assault, resisting arrest, malicious damage and illegal possession of burglary tools.

The suspect, who allegedly committed his crimes between October and January, is also accused of illegal entry and stay in the Republic.

On October 19, the owner of a sports clothing store in Ayia Napa told police that an unknown person, recorded by the store’s CCTV system, attempted to steal items from the premises.

On December 10, the same person, once again caught on camera, broke into a restaurant after it closed for the night and stole €80.

The following day, the 33-year-old attempted to break into a pharmacy in Ayia Napa. On December 14, a kiosk owner reported the theft of tobacco products and money from his establishment. In common with the previous incidents, the man was caught on CCTV.

The 33-year-old’s final act before being identified and arrested took place on January 3, when, at around 5am, the alarm of another pharmacy went off, prompting the intervention of the police.

When officers arrived on the scene, they caught the man red handed wearing a mask, hat and gloves and holding an iron crowbar.

“The 33-year-old attempted to flee but police officers were able to catch him,” Theodoulou said. “He resisted the arrest and tried to push the officers aside, who, however, managed to immobilise him and take him to the Ayia Napa police station.”

When searched, the man turned out to be carrying various burglary tools, €80 in cash, some pharmaceutical products and a folding knife.

According to Theodoulou, the man is homeless. He denies his involvement in all incidents that took place between October and January and refuses to cooperate with the authorities.