Justice and Public Order Minister Kostas Fytiris has proposed that companies operating delivery platforms introduce a “red button” to allow delivery riders to alert police immediately if they are attacked.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday after a meeting with staff from the Ministry, Police, Prisons and Fire Service, Fytiris was asked about recent delivery rider attacks.
He said a meeting with companies operating delivery platforms had identified cases involving independent riders who may be carrying significant amounts of cash.
Faster response to attacks
Fytiris said the ministry had proposed the emergency alert system because it is not possible to have a police officer present everywhere.
Under the proposal, a rider would be able to press a button to alert police, allowing officers to respond as quickly as possible.
The minister said the system would require some time to implement if the companies agree to the proposal.
He stressed that a rapid police response also depends on victims notifying authorities promptly.
Police investigate possible motives
Asked about the motives behind the attacks, Fytiris said he believed many cases were more likely to involve robbery than racist motives, particularly where independent riders were carrying money.
He was also asked whether drug trafficking could be linked to the attacks. Fytiris said this possibility was being investigated.
The minister said police had made numerous arrests recently and dismantled several criminal networks.
Networks remain under investigation
Fytiris said new networks continue to emerge, either involving individuals or organised groups, despite arrests and the dismantling of criminal operations.
He said the authorities’ role was to continue targeting criminal activity “from the hands to the head” of the networks.
Asked whether there was evidence of delivery riders being involved in such networks, he said some riders could potentially be used as “the hands” of a network.
The investigations are continuing.
Also read: Larnaca: 10 people threaten delivery rider with knives
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