Proposal a joint effort with Trust Insurance

Trust Insurance have signed a memorandum with the police to enhance neighbourhood safety, protect private property and a reboot of the neighbourhood police officer system.

The partnership and its joint action plan, “Together for Safe Neighbourhoods & Property Protection”, were presented during a press conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia.

Trust Insurance is one of the leading insurance providers in Cyprus offering a wide range of general services, as well as private medical coverage.

Police chief, Themistos Arnaoutis, described the cooperation as a milestone built on collective responsibility, shared values and a unified vision for strengthening crime prevention.

He reaffirmed the significance of the neighbourhood police officer institution, noting that despite staffing constraints during the Covid-19 pandemic, recruitment efforts shall soon rectify any deficiencies within the force.

“The time has come, now that I am chief, to definitely strengthen the institution of neighbourhood police officers and observers,” he said.

Arnaoutis stressed that the memorandum focuses on three key pillars: informing and educating the public, utilising Trust Insurance’s expertise and enhancing corporate social responsibility through public-private collaboration.

He emphasised that the police’s mission extends far beyond enforcement.

“We systematically invest in prevention through information, training and practical advice,” he stated.

He thanked Trust Insurance for its contribution and reaffirmed that public safety remains the force’s top priority.

Trust Insurance executive director, Christos Christodoulou, presented the technologically upgraded action plan, outlining its main strategic objectives.

Firstly, to increase awareness of potential crimes via social media campaigns and community presentations.

Furthermore, to place local police officers at the forefront of their communities with an increased presence in peak hour times.

Moreover, tackling deficiencies in streetlights shall be addressed by recording areas of notable darkness, coordinating with relevant municipalities to improve infrastructure and highlight the safest routes for its residents.

Additionally, modernisation of equipment in parks and public areas will be paramount, with the installation of panic buttons, enhanced lighting in playgrounds and a public campaign on safe park use.

Lastly, and perhaps most technologically significant to the partnership’s agenda, is the development of a new AI driven app, Safe Zone Cy.

The application shall encompass a digital map with real time police announcements, safety recommendations as well as integration with emergency alerts.

Acknowledging the ambitiousness of the endeavour,Christodoulou emphasised that the plan is designed to adapt over time. “We are committed to working alongside the police so that our actions have a substantial impact on society,” he said.

Trust Insurance board member, and former finance minister, Kikis Kazamias, added that both organisations are built on “trust and security”, expressing confidence that the cooperation will bring measurable improvements to daily life.

Both the police and Trust Insurance stressed that security is not solely the responsibility of authorities, but a collective effort rooted in active involvement by the wider public.