Paphos acting mayor seeks faster rollout of cameras in public spaces

Paphos, Cyprus. Acting mayor Angelos Onisiforou has called for the accelerated installation of surveillance cameras in parks and other public spaces following repeated incidents of vandalism and damage to municipal property. He said protecting public property and improving safety in public areas had become a priority.

Coordination with local authorities

Onisiforou said he had contacted other mayors and that a meeting was expected during the week to coordinate local authorities’ efforts to proceed with installing cameras.

He said the process should begin immediately in locations where the existing legal framework permits surveillance cameras.

Legal framework

Where legal or procedural obstacles prevent camera installation, local authorities should seek legislative changes to provide municipalities with the powers needed to better protect public property, Onisiforou said.

He said the law should not be used as a reason for inaction in response to repeated vandalism.

Deterrence and identification

Onisiforou said cameras would not be an end in themselves but an additional tool to deter vandalism, protect municipal property and help identify those responsible for damage to public property and infrastructure.

He said the municipality would pursue the matter through the appropriate institutional channels to protect public spaces and help residents feel safer.