A break-in at a kiosk in Limassol early on Thursday morning has triggered a police alert, with footage capturing the moment a suspect broke in, grabbed an OTERO payment machine, and later smashed it open to get at the cash inside.
Police confirmed this is the second similar break-in recorded at a kiosk in Limassol, and investigators are now looking into whether the same person is behind both incidents.
According to a social media post about the incident, the break-in happened between 5am and 5.30am at a kiosk on the corner of Misiaouli and Kavazoglou Street in Limassol. The suspect is alleged to have used an angle grinder to force open the kiosk’s door and get inside.
According to the same post, he then grabbed the kiosk’s OTERO machine, a terminal used to manage and process mobile phone data and transactions, such as top-ups. He is alleged to have broken the machine open to get at the cash inside, before dumping it on Makariou Avenue.
Reports currently being investigated suggest the same person may have tried to steal similar machines from other kiosks or locations in the area during the course of the same night.
The post also describes a distinguishing feature of the alleged suspect, who is said to have a tattoo on his left arm. It is also estimated that he may have parked his vehicle on a street behind the kiosk.
Police are examining CCTV footage from the area, in an effort to secure images that could help identify the suspect and shed light on his movements both before and after the break-in.
The post urges kiosks and shops with similar machines to be extra vigilant.
