Larnaca, Cyprus. Mayor Andreas Vyras on Monday called on the central government to take action on organised crime after a mass brawl in Larnaca’s centre on Saturday involved weapons being drawn and shots fired.
Mayor calls for action
Vyras told television channel Ant1 that he has “been concerned about developments surrounding organised crime for some time”.
“This situation cannot continue. Incidences of attempted assassinations in Larnaca are well known. Organised crime cannot simply be easily fought,” he said, calling on the central government to take action so that the phenomena stop and people feel that the state is on top of things.
“We are not satisfied with words. We want to see results,” he said.
He added that while police and Justice Minister Costas Fitiris have “said some basic things”, there has been little action.
“I do not think any measures have been announced… increasing patrols is not something which touches organised crime. Organised crime requires a lot more things and a lot more actions,” he said.
Police defend response
Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos defended the police and the government’s actions, saying the area “cannot be considered unsafe due to one incident”.
He said the incident was investigated, arrests were made, and measures are being taken.
Vyronos added that “the case in Larnaca is very serious” and said police are taking action on the matter.
“Measures have been heightened for days. There are other measures which are not for public disclosure,” he said.
What measures do you think would be most effective in tackling organised crime in Larnaca?