Municipalities across Paphos district have agreed to coordinate efforts to install cameras in public spaces, aiming to prevent vandalism, protect municipal property and strengthen citizens’ sense of security.
The decision was taken at a meeting on Thursday attended by mayors from across the district, community representatives and representatives of the Paphos District Local Government Organisation (EOA).
Paphos acting Mayor Angelos Onisiforou said the municipality had taken the initiative to promote a coordinated approach, with all mayors in the district participating.
Joint request for data protection approval
Onisiforou said it was agreed that a joint letter would be sent to the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection to secure the necessary approval for the installation and operation of the cameras.
The main aim is to protect municipal property, including parks and municipal buildings, as well as other public areas where municipal assets are exposed.
The cameras are also expected to act as a deterrent against vandalism and other forms of antisocial behaviour.
Onisiforou said the initiative also seeks to strengthen citizens’ sense of security, following a number of incidents recorded in municipalities across the district in recent days.
He has been authorised by all municipalities in Paphos district to prepare the letter to the Commissioner and proceed with the necessary procedures.
Paphos already has 55 cameras
Onisiforou said municipalities deal with damage and vandalism on a daily basis and are repeatedly required to carry out repairs.
He stressed that tackling the problem is not solely the responsibility of municipalities, noting that police are also supporting the effort.
He cited the experience of Paphos municipality, which has already installed 55 cameras on “smart poles” across the city.
According to Onisiforou, footage from the cameras has been used by police in several cases and has helped solve offences committed in the city.
He said such a system could effectively create surveillance coverage across a municipality and contribute to improved public safety.
Calls for wider use of cameras
Polis Chrysochous Mayor Giotis Papachristofi described vandalism in public spaces as a nationwide problem.
He said the existing legal framework was not satisfactory and should be reviewed to determine whether amendments are needed to allow cameras to be installed more widely.
Papachristofi said that if authorities want to tackle offences including burglaries, thefts and drug-related activity, the possibility of installing cameras at more locations should be examined.
He also raised concerns about police understaffing, saying that significantly more personnel would be needed to meet the needs of the district.
According to Papachristofi, modern states increasingly use technology as a supplementary tool to enhance security.
District-wide initiative moves forward
Geroskipou Deputy Mayor Andreas Shikkis described the discussion on installing camera systems at central locations as particularly constructive.
He referred to research he had conducted, according to which London has around 940,000 cameras, while the UK as a whole has between four and six million.
He argued that extensive camera use had contributed to a reduction in crime and antisocial behaviour of around 50%.
The next step is to prepare and send the joint letter to the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection and advance the procedures required to implement the initiative.
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