A total of 15 people are set to appear in court in the British bases, accused of stalking and harassment.

Detective inspector and the British bases’ police safeguarding lead Tony Demetriou explained that the cases have been brought after new legislation was brought in on the bases in July, allowing people to report such crimes committed against them and allowing the bases’ justice system to take action against them.

Three of the cases concern accused parties in the Dhekelia base area, while the remaining 12 are in the Akrotiri base area, with Demetriou saying the high number of cases “indicates the effectiveness and importance of this order towards safeguarding victims of such criminal offences”.

He then explained that “actions of stalking may be repeated unwanted contact, being followed, monitoring social media, unnecessary or unwanted communication, watching, or spying.

“Harassment is any of the above which causes alarm, anxiety or distress to any person. Also, spreading gossip or rumours, verbal or non-verbal abuse, persistent and unjustified criticism and continued mockery.”

He added that it is the bases’ “key priority” to “protect society and lives, prevent crime, and bring offenders to justice.”

The bases’ police, he said, “is dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable people and we urge victims or witnesses of such crimes to report them to the police, who are committed to implementing a zero-tolerance policy in dealing with such offenders.”

Bases spokesman Christian Grey told the Cyprus Mail that should any of the 15 accused be handed jail sentences, they will be incarcerated at a British-run prison inside the base, known as His Majesty’s Prison Dhekelia.