The neighbourhood police unit has been strengthened with the addition of 17 new officers, marking a 50 per cent increase in staff, the police communications branch announced on Friday.

The move forms part of broader efforts to modernise the Cyprus police and reinforce community-level law enforcement.

The new officers will assume their duties immediately and will be deployed to various locations across the island.

With the latest recruitment, the total number of neighbourhood police officers has risen to 51.

Established in 2003, the neighbourhood police unit is regarded by the force as an effective tool for crime prevention through closer contact with local communities.

According to the statement, the deployment represents an important step in the police’s ongoing modernisation programme.