Fitiris pledges stronger police presence in Limassol

Limassol, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris has pledged to strengthen police presence in Limassol, with new recruits set to reinforce bicycle patrols and the police rapid response Z unit amid concerns over crime and public safety.

He made the commitment during a Friday meeting with Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis and a municipal delegation, where policing, delinquency, road safety and noise pollution were discussed.

Calls for stronger patrols

Armeftis expressed satisfaction with the work of the bicycle police and called for the unit to be further strengthened.

The meeting followed concerns raised by Disy MP Fotini Tsiridou, chairwoman of the House legal affairs committee, over policing in the city after a recent complaint of an indecent assault involving a woman in Dasoudi.

Tsiridou asked Fitiris for information on police presence in public spaces and called for increased patrols, stronger community policing and a comprehensive crime prevention plan.

She also requested a greater police presence along coastal pedestrian routes, particularly in the afternoon and evening, including around Dasoudi.

Her questions included whether authorities have assessed lighting and visibility along the routes and identified locations where conditions could pose safety risks to residents and visitors.

Police directorate relocation

Fitiris and Armeftis also discussed the immediate need to relocate the Limassol district police directorate and identify suitable state-owned land for a new building.

Armeftis asked for the existing premises to be transferred to the municipality once the public administration office is relocated. Fitiris said the request would be examined and the premises returned to the municipality.