Residents of Drosia, Larnaca, expressed dissatisfaction on Friday with the measures implemented by the mayor and the police to address a surge in burglaries in the area.

Local resident Artemios Mallas, who created a group chat to help prevent burglaries, told CNA, “We are not satisfied. From what we’ve been informed, the measures involve increasing patrols in Drosia by uniformed and plainclothes officers, adding police members to the residents’ group chats, and redesigning the community policing institution in the area.”

A follow-up meeting is scheduled for January 15, where residents will meet with the mayor and police representatives to discuss the issue further and share their opinions.

Mallas stated, “We believe additional measures are needed to apprehend the perpetrators. At the same time, penalties and punishments should be exemplary and act as a deterrent for those who think they can easily commit such crimes.”

According to Mallas, there have been 150 burglary incidents in the past seven months, but only eight suspects have been arrested. Currently, there are only three neighbourhood police officers and nine officers for the entire province.

“We know that even if some individuals are arrested, nothing will change. They’ll be brought before the court and released, only to continue their actions,” he added.

On Wednesday, Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras held an emergency meeting to address residents’ concerns about safety. Since December, Drosia has seen an increase in petty thefts, including windshield wipers being stolen from cars and burglars entering homes to steal consumables, particularly from elderly residents.

Frustrated residents have suggested hiring private security guards after reports of people being threatened in their homes, yards, and on the street, both during the day and at night. Many have resorted to checking CCTV footage themselves to monitor suspicious activity.

Mallas noted that a WhatsApp group with 360 participants has been established, allowing residents to alert one another to incidents, which he said are occurring daily.