Police arrested 14 people during nationwide preventive operations on Sunday night, as officers stepped up patrols and checks across Cyprus.

According to a police statement on Monday, organised patrols were carried out at key locations in urban areas, aimed at preventing serious crime, maintaining public order and increasing the public’s sense of security.

The 14 arrests were made for various alleged offences, including illegal possession of drugs, illegal stay in the Republic, assaulting a police officer, carrying a knife and traffic offences.

During the overnight operations, officers stopped 490 vehicles and checked 657 people travelling in them.

Police also carried out 46 checks at premises as part of efforts to combat unlawful activity, resulting in two reports.

Meanwhile, 212 traffic violations were reported during road safety checks, while a further 23 suspected traffic offences are under investigation.

Of the reports issued, 91 concerned speeding, while police impounded 12 vehicles as part of their investigations.

Officers also carried out 309 alcohol tests, resulting in 36 reports.

Three preliminary drug tests were also conducted, all of which returned positive results.

Police said operations aimed at preventing and combating crime would continue on a daily basis, with an increased police presence, targeted checks and immediate operational action.

The measures are intended to protect the public, maintain public order and increase the public’s sense of security, police added.