MOTOR VEHICLES

 

If you are going away for any length of time, immobilize your vehicle, lock the vehicle in a garage and secure the garage.  If possible remove the radio.

 

DAILY USE OF THE VEHICLE – always park where there are people about, do not leave valuables on show, lock them in the boot, remove the radio, fit an immobilizer and use it.  Always lock the vehicle and shut the windows.

 

CARPARKS - offer a thief the opportunity to steal from several vehicles in a short space of time, therefore always try to park where your vehicle will be seen by the most people, at night try to park in areas where there is street lighting.

 

Consider fitting an ALARM & IMMOBILISER. It has been said that there is no car crime in Cyprus because it is an Island, this is total rubbish, cars/motor cycles are stolen daily to use in crime !

Thefts from vehicles especially in carparks is also on the increase because people fail to secure the vehicle, just read the newspapers !!

 

Carry a torch, first-aid kit, warning triangle and a fire extinguisher.

 

Make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy! Check oil/water, tyre pressures daily, check and tighten wheel nuts, check spare tyre and have the car serviced regularly. Keep doors locked whilst driving.

 

ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS - RTA`s are all to common in Cyprus due to the very poor standard of driving, If you are unfortunate and are involved in an RTA, Stay calm, protect the scene from further accidents,

when you have protected yourself against injury attend to injured persons treating the worst injured first, summon help of the emergency services.

 

DO NOT ADMIT LIABILITY TO ANYONE , NEVER SIGN A STATEMENT WRITTEN IN GREEK BY A POLICE OFFICER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES UNLESS OF COURSE YOU UNDERSTAND IT AND ARE WILLING TO SIGN.

 

Get details of independent witnesses if possible, you will be required to supply your name and address, the name and address of the owner and insurance details to Police. Here in Cyprus they normally take possession of your driving licence and insurance sothat they can photcopy them. The documents are normally returned later the same day.

 

Make sure that you inform your insurance company, failure to do so could result in them refusing cover.