Residents on Tombs of the Kings Avenue in Paphos have reported an increase in burglaries and thefts, with incidents almost every day for the past eight days, police said on Monday.

According to local testimonies, the cases appear to be linked to individuals thought to be living illegally in an abandoned hotel in the area.

Paphos police’s assistant director of operations Michalis Nikolaou told the Cyprus News Agency that authorities were informed of the situation and have already ordered police patrols in the area to increase.

He added that an inspection of the abandoned hotel will be carried out to determine whether unauthorised occupants are living there.

Residents have reported activity inside the building at night, with lights on, movement in corridors, and clothing on balconies, indicating possible informal occupation.

Security footage reportedly shows three individuals connected to the incidents and has been given to the police for investigation.