Fear and terror on a street in a residential neighborhood of Lakatamia. Young people gather in the evenings and cause a disturbance, drifting through the neighborhood in cars and on motorcycles, consuming alcoholic beverages, and apparently using drugs as well. The result of this unacceptable situation is the systematic harassment of local residents, while they leave behind piles of trash.
All of this is documented in a video obtained and aired by the Alpha Kalimera program. This video is one of many that have been recorded, and despite numerous complaints filed with the police, the situation continues and remains out of control.
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In addition to the video, evidence of the youths’ nighttime activities includes the marks they leave on the street—images captured by the show’s camera.
Speaking on the show, the Mayor of Lakatamia, Fotoula Hatzipapa, stated that this is an issue that troubles and concerns the municipality.
Regarding the trash, she noted that it falls under the municipality’s jurisdiction, with cleanup crews clearing the area only to find it back in the same—or even worse—condition two days later.
“The police and the government have an obligation to step in and restore order in the area. Because it’s a shame for the residents, and I understand that.”
Ms. Hatzipapa points out that residents are also at their wits’ end as this situation unfolds right outside their homes.
She also adds that the Lakatamia police station is understaffed, and the promises they received regarding adequate staffing have not been kept.
“We have one neighborhood police officer for the entire Lakatamia area, with instructions to cover only part of Kato Lakatamia.”
Ms. Hatzipapa argues that a targeted campaign must be launched, emphasizing that due to understaffing and constant transfers and secondments, this cannot be put into practice.
“It’s not acceptable for us—myself included, along with the residents—to keep calling, only for the police to show up with their flashing lights, leave by the time they arrive, and then come back half an hour later. Campaigns must be carried out in a way that can put an end to the problem.”
The mayor also reports that among the young people driving the cars, there are minors, sounding the alarm.
