JULY 2007

Daytime burglars are at work in Coral Bay, Pegia, Chlorakas and Sea caves areas

Burglars attempted entry to a villa in Kings Paradise , Coral bay at 1.30pm on Saturday 7th July 2007 . By using a screwdriver type of implement as a lever to sliding doors and windows

LARNACA - Firearms find - Police found a box buried in a field to contain 6 sten guns, 3 Lanchester submachine guns and 2 Thompson machine guns plus 647 rounds of ammunition , all apparently unused. (Cyprus mail 12.7.07) Judging by the vintage of the weapons i suspect they date back to the EOKA days.

CYPRUS - Fake Jewellery on sale - a gang of men and women are operating across the Island selling fake jewellery , mainly operating in large crowded shopping areas some items are stamped 18 carat , If you want to buy jewellery buy from a reputable shop. Police ask anyone with information phone  Citizen Hotline 1460 (Cyprus Mail 13.7.07)

YERYSKIPOU - A Greek national age 47 was arrested for theft of icons from the church in Yeryskipou. (Cyprus Mail 14.07.07)

PAPHOS - During the nightof 12/13 July at 4am a burglary occurred at the home of an ex Pat British couple, 3 men wearing balaclavas and armed with a hunting rifle broke in through the bathroom window. Having entered they beat the male occupier senseless , tied the wife up and ransacked the property. The husband was hospitalised. (Cyprus mail 14.07.07) A burglar alarm with panic attack facility and grill over wc window would have helped.

CYPRUS POLICE WARN OF HIGH RISK OFSUMMER BURGLARIES - Police state  reported serious theft against property has risen by 34% (That`s REPORTED CRIME)  and they adivsed the installation of alarm systems ( Cyprus Mail 15.07.07)

PEGIA - Burglary occurred around 4 pm Friday 19.07.07 to a villa in Pegia entry by use of screwdriver or similar intsrument , through downstairs wc window, small items stolen , cash, mobile phone etc - ( would advise fitting locks to sliding doors and windows and a grill over wc windows and oof course a burglar alarm)

SUSPECTS FOR BURGLARY - PAPHOS - Police are looking for two men in connection with Paphos Burglaries: neither appear to be of Cypriot origin , one is strong build and appearance about 1.60 metres tall aged 30/33 with short dark hair, the other slim about 1.75 metres tall aged 20/25 also with short black hair. Any info to Paphos CID on Citizens helpline 1460.

GENERAL - Use of illegal drugs continues to rise and with it crime to finance the users, ATM and other frauds are prevalent, bag snatches and pickpocketing is increasing. With hotter weather please remember you must still secure your home against theft and always lock your car when unattended. There is also a high rsik of fire with the dry weather so beware.

PAPHOS TAXIS - With the Police crackdown on "Drink drive " offences you may wish to use a Taxi. It is common that Paphos taxis are a rip off , if you hire a cab insist on the driver setting the meter, make sure he takes to shortest route and then pay what is on the meter. You can if you wish "strike a contract" at the time of hiring where you agree a price and then pay that amount. If the driver failto either agree a fare or set the meter and then tries to charge a high fare on arrival simply refuse to pay, offer your name and address , request Police attendance , note the licence numbers of the vehicle and driver and report it to the Citizens helpline 1460, provided you have the means to pay the matter becomes a civil debt /dispute between you and the Taxi driver- The sim[ple answer is to insist that the meter is set, monitor the route and speed of the journey and the meter works on time and distance.