Justice Minister Konstantinos Fytiris is stepping in to put an end to the daily nightmare faced by the residents of Lakatamia, as drifters set up shop outside their homes all night long, turning the neighborhood into a racetrack filled with noise, alcohol, and drugs.
The “Alpha Kalimera” program is in contact with both local authorities and the Minister of Justice, who has personally expressed interest not only in the case of Lakatamia, as well as other areas where such incidents have been reported.
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According to reports, the Minister of Justice is scheduled to meet with Lakatamia Mayor Fotoula Hatzipapa in the coming days.
Read also: A nightmare for Lakatamia residents: All-night drifting in neighborhoods with alcohol, drugs, and unbearable noise
Speaking on the program, Police Headquarters Press Secretary Byron Vyronos sought to clarify that the police do not underestimate the incidents.
“The disturbances that occur—whether they involve vehicles, excessive noise, vehicle modifications, or antisocial driving behavior— the police do not underestimate them under any circumstances, and since these actions by our fellow citizens systematically affect the daily life and tranquility of a neighborhood, it is perfectly understandable that citizens and certain authorities would demand effective action. However, because the impression is being created that nothing is being done, the police are taking action. Every night, our officers respond to numerous complaints and conduct many checks in various areas throughout Cyprus.”
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Regarding the specific area of Lakatamia—where, in fact, tires were being burned on Wednesday night—Mr. Vyronos states that the police are continuing their operations.
“Several operations have been carried out, and they are ongoing. Certain areas have been targeted by our patrols, and operations are being conducted. These operations have led to several complaints, and mopeds have been impounded; we are continuing our efforts.”
In response to a question about the need to organize a coordinated operation involving various police departments, Mr. Vyronos stated that organized operations are being carried out and that there is a specific operational plan for all areas where problems exist.
“Where we identify that there are problems and they are concentrated, special surveillance teams are deployed. Often, our presence may not be immediately apparent. We’ve observed that, in many cases, certain problems may shift to other areas. This is a problem faced worldwide. The shift of problems to other areas. Wherever they may shift, we implement new measures and strive as much as possible to reduce these problems.”
“It must be understood that these are not just policing issues; they are also social problems,” emphasizes Mr. Vyronos.
He adds that the police are in contact with both local authorities and other agencies, but that the cooperation of citizens is also needed.
“But we also need the participation of citizens and families. The people who cause these problems and drive their cars come from certain families.”
“We, as the police, have no intention or goal of shifting the blame onto anyone,” adds Mr. Vyronos, while noting that during an operation, the safety of both police officers and citizens is taken into account.
Regarding the complaints, he states that when they are made by name, the police respond.
“Wherever we need to adjust our activities accordingly, we will do so, and we hope that this will yield results so that our fellow citizens feel safe.”
