Residents in part of Kato Paphos say they have been alarmed by a rise in burglaries and thefts in recent days, with concerns focusing on Promitheos Street near the Tombs of the Kings Avenue area.
According to residents, incidents have been occurring almost daily over the past eight days. They believe the cases may be linked to people allegedly staying illegally in an abandoned hotel nearby.
Michalis Nikolaou, Assistant Police Director and spokesperson for Paphos Police Division, told CNA that once authorities were informed, instructions were issued for increased policing in the area. He added that checks would also be carried out at the closed hotel to determine whether individuals had unlawfully taken up residence there.
He said no complaint had been submitted over burglary or theft from within the hotel complex itself, apparently because no owner has come forward.
Residents, however, told CNA that lights have been seen inside the building at night, along with movement in corridors and clothes hanging from balconies, adding to suspicions that the property is being used as informal accommodation.
Footage from security cameras in the area has also recorded the presence of three individuals who are believed to be connected to the burglary incidents, residents said. The images have already been handed to the relevant authorities.
Source: CNA