The Larnaca municipality on Wednesday said it will step up safety measures in response to the incidents that took place on Monday evening, when a 17-year-old boy was hospitalised and later operated on his leg after being involved in a fight on Finikoudes beach.
In a statement, the municipality stressed that the town’s safety “is a top priority for both the mayor and the municipal council”.
It also added that municipal officials held four separate meeting with the Larnaca police, during which specific measures were decided upon.
These include increased policing in the area of Finikoudes and other high-crime zones, especially at night, with at least three or four patrols dispatched at regular intervals, and the reinstatement of the bicycle police in the city centre, with four permanent officers.
The police also informed the municipality that 18 unaccompanied minors housed at the ‘Ayios Georgios’ care home have been relocated to different districts in smaller groups.
The decision was made following concerns raised about safety issues involving this particular group, as reported by the police directorate.
Despite efforts from the municipality and other relevant bodies, including MPs and political parties, problems with the minors’ behaviour persisted for months on end.
In the statement, the Larnaca municipality urged the deputy ministry of social welfare and other authorities to find effective solutions to prevent further incidents.
