Dozens of thefts have been reported by beachgoers across Cyprus, police spokesman Christos Andreou said on Tuesday as incidents seem to be growing.
In total police are investigating 57 beach thefts, he added, saying that 11 arrests have been made.
Andreou said that the cases so far have been recorded from May 1 to July 22, with most recorded in Larnaca.
After 43 reported incidents in Larnaca, eight people have been arrested.
Andreou said one of the eight individuals in custody had previously tried to steal items from the beach twice in one week.
In Famagusta there were six cases reported and two people arrested, while in Limassol there were seven cases with the arrest of a 53-year-old man.
In Paphos, he added, there was one case reported, but no arrests made.
Andreou said plain clothes police officers are keeping watch over the island’s beaches following a spate of thefts from unsuspecting bathers.
He said sometimes these officers catch the thieves in action while other incidents are reported by members of the public.
Complaints of being robbed on the beach are now a daily phenomenon, Andreou added.
The increased surveillance by police has brought results with several perpetrators of thefts having been arrested and brought to justice in recent days, Andreou said.
He urged beachgoers to follow the advice published recently by the police.
The force has urged people to avoid carrying items of value on beaches, to carry only the necessary amount of money, not to leave their property unattended and to cooperate with other beachgoers in its surveillance.
Over the weekend a 22-year-old man was arrested after being caught by someone on the beach as he was trying to steal something from a bag belonging to another two people in Paralimni.
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