A rise in burglaries and thefts has been reported in the Baths of Aphrodite area, sparking concern among residents and property owners, with suspects said to be operating undeterred, even in homes occupied by tourists.

Paphos police acknowledged the spike in incidents, with Paphos police assistant director of operations and spokesperson Michalis Nikolaou telling CNA that recent weeks have seen increased burglary activity, mainly in residential properties in the area.

Property owners involved in short-term rentals said break-ins have occurred while guests were inside the properties, undermining both the sense of safety and their professional credibility.

The landlords also reported financial losses, with visitors cancelling bookings, leaving negative reviews and requesting refunds.

Residents have voiced frustration over what they see as a lack of effective action, claiming organised groups of burglars are operating unchecked across the wider area, from Pomos to the Baths of Aphrodite.

Witness accounts point to repeated incidents, in some cases targeting the same property on several occasions, heightening fears in the community.

Nikolaou said that enhanced measures have already been put in place, including night surveillance, increased patrols and targeted checks and searches of suspicious individuals and vehicles.

Despite these efforts, no arrests have been made so far, though police stressed that operations will continue and intensify in an effort to both solve the cases and prevent further incidents.

Nikolaou also noted that in several cases burglars managed to enter properties without visible signs of forced entry, suggesting that unsecured windows, unlocked doors or other openings may have been exploited.

In some reports, the stolen items were limited to small amounts of cash, reinforcing the assessment that the crimes may be both opportunistic and systematic.

Polis Chrysochous mayor Yiotis Papachristofi confirmed the issue, noting that the Baths of Aphrodite area has faced similar incidents.

He said the municipal council has already approved the installation of a camera surveillance system at selected locations considered vulnerable or with increased activity. The process of securing the necessary permits is underway, and he expressed optimism that implementation will begin soon.

Papachristofi added that the municipality is determined to proceed with the installation regardless of cost, describing it as essential to improving safety, deterring criminal activity and restoring a sense of security for both residents and visitors.