A series of robberies targeting tourists and locals at Larnaca’s Finikoudes Beach has prompted increased police patrols and raised safety concerns among residents of the city.
Police have charged eight young suspects, including minors, with approximately 10 robberies committed primarily in the Finikoudes area where hundreds of locals and tourists gather daily. Despite continuous police presence, perpetrators continue to strike in secluded areas during early morning hours when fewer people are present.
The most recent robbery occurred early Thursday morning when two 52-year-old men were attacked at Finikoudes around 2am. Several young men approached the victims and forcibly took a personal bag from one of them. When the victim resisted, the attackers assaulted him, causing minor injuries to his eye.
On 28 June, a 31-year-old man walking near the Medieval Castle at 5am was attacked by two young men who injured him and stole a small amount of money. Earlier, on 15 June, a 24-year-old Afghan waiter was attacked by two young men whilst riding an electric scooter home after work. The perpetrators beat him and stole a bag containing €500. A 16-year-old was arrested in connection with this incident, found driving without a licence and in possession of items stolen from the victim.
Two additional robberies occurred on 2 June when a group of six to eight young men attacked two victims at Finikoudes, stealing personal items. Both victims sustained minor injuries whilst resisting the attacks.
In late May, Larnaca’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested six young suspects for seven robberies committed over six days (21-26 April). Five suspects, including three minors, are currently on trial before Larnaca’s Permanent Criminal Court. Three victims were injured, with some reporting attacks by groups of up to 20 people.
Spyros Chrysostomou, press spokesman for Larnaca Police, said operational plans are implemented daily with enhanced coverage on Fridays and weekends. “These include foot patrols along the Finikoudes seafront and commercial areas, reinforced bicycle patrols, and during summer, additional motorised patrols from the Mobile Immediate Action Unit,” he said.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras expressed concern following telephone contact with the Justice Minister, conveying the municipality’s and residents’ anxiety. According to Vyras, the Justice Minister indicated efforts are underway with the Deputy Minister of Migration to review the status of foreign nationals with criminal behaviour.
“I informed the President of the Republic about this issue when he visited last Tuesday. We have held two high-level meetings with the Justice Minister and the director of reception centres, who reported that a large number of unaccompanied minors have already been relocated. However, we understand many of them return to Larnaca,” Vyras noted.
The mayor highlighted challenges regarding detention of minor offenders, who are sometimes released by courts. The municipality has installed security boxes at beaches to address theft and is conducting an Impact Assessment to install cameras at central city locations.
“I hope legislation for municipal police, which we submitted as the Union of Municipalities, will pass so that police can be relieved and focus on security matters,” Vyras said.
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