Recent serious incidents in Larnaca were discussed on the television programme Protoselido, with the Cyprus Police responding to concerns over organised crime, public safety, and criminals acting in broad daylight.
Police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos addressed criticism suggesting that organised crime has become emboldened and that citizens increasingly feel unsafe.
Daylight crimes raise questions
The discussion opened with references to an apparent settling of scores between known criminal groups linked to the nightlife scene. The case reportedly unfolded just metres from the Larnaca Police Headquarters, during peak hours and in an area with heavy public presence.
Journalists noted that the choice of location and timing inevitably raises questions, as such incidents take place in full view of the public, increasing the risk to innocent bystanders.
Police: crime methods are constantly changing
Mr Vyronos said the forms and methods of criminal activity are constantly evolving and are no longer confined to specific times or locations. He acknowledged that extortions and attacks occurred very close to the police headquarters but rejected suggestions that this indicates a lack of fear of police presence.
He stressed that each incident is assessed individually and continuously by Cyprus Police, adding that proximity to a police building does not automatically imply deliberate provocation.
Why criminals act during the day
Addressing the long-standing public perception that crime has become more brazen, Mr Vyronos explained that some criminals deliberately choose to act during daytime hours, believing that heavy traffic, crowds, and panic can help them escape more easily.
However, he emphasised that the vast majority of serious cases are eventually solved, noting that the recent announcement of a new, strengthened directorate targeting organised crime is not coincidental but driven by real operational needs.
“Cypriot FBI” and unseen police work
Journalists argued that Cyprus’ organised crime cannot be tackled solely through patrols and visible policing, reviving discussion around the creation of a so-called “Cypriot FBI”. Mr Vyronos responded that many police actions are, by necessity, not visible to the public.
While some operations are announced, others remain confidential as part of a broader, systematic effort to curb organised crime using modern methods and intelligence-led policing.
Public safety and the feeling of insecurity
Closing the discussion, presenters asked whether public concern in Larnaca is justified. Mr Vyronos said police understand such feelings but stressed they are not reflected in actual crime data.
He noted that there are no official measurements of subjective feelings of insecurity, while crime statistics are publicly available on the police website, allowing citizens to review and assess the real picture themselves.
Also read: Iran protests victims: Families face demands for return of bodies
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
