Police clamp down on fire hazards ahead of Easter festivities

Police over the weekend began a strict clampdown on illegal activities associated with Easter fireworks and bonfire celebrations, police spokesman Christos Andreou told CyBC on Monday.

In Paphos, two minors found in possession of illegal firecrackers in Emba on Saturday were charged in writing and released.

According to police, on Saturday night officers carried out a crackdown in the forecourt of Apostolos Andreas church, during which they confiscated 29 factory firecrackers.

The culprits were then taken to the central police station with their parents where they were charged in writing and released to appear before court at a later date.

In Limassol, meanwhile, a special police team tasked with safeguarding the public will begin routine inspections as of Monday night. The team, consisting of 15 officers, will carry out checks on bonfires that have already started to be built near churches ahead of Easter celebrations.

Efforts are focused on Limassol in particular as the problem appears to be intensified in that district, Andreou told CyBC.

The creation of the specialised unit was decided during a joint meeting last week at the city’s police headquarters attended, among others, by representatives from local government, the ministry of education, the fire service, civil defence, and the church.

During the meeting the various participants addressed the exacerbation of the problem of uncontrolled building of Easter bonfires by youth, from items including wood, tyres and other dangerous materials.

Police will be on high alert on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, with reinforcement from fast-response motorised units, to pre-empt any damages and injuries to the public, Andreou said.