Vandals damaged Christmas decorations and sprayed graffiti in Moutallos square in Paphos on Monday night, the second night of vandalism in a row in the town. The acting mayor called for cameras to be installed and for a stronger police presence in the area.
Angelos Onisiforou said on Tuesday morning that the unidentified culprits had destroyed part of the Christmas decorations, which had been put up only a few days earlier, and sprayed slogans in public areas.
He described the situation as very worrying, saying the municipality was trying to maintain, upgrade and improve the town only for people to come at night and destroy whatever they found, and that this was not the first time.
Onisiforou said the municipality constantly receives complaints from Moutallos residents about motorbike races, nuisance, damage to public spaces and even bins being set on fire. Residents say they call the police about these incidents but in many cases do not get the expected response, he said, adding that this should seriously concern those responsible.
He said the municipality could not stand in for the police, as each authority has its own role and responsibilities. In his view, the time has come to install cameras in Moutallos square and other parts of the area where such incidents occur, always in line with the law.
He also asked the police for a stronger presence in the area, proper checks and a prompt response to residents’ complaints. He said people were tired of the situation in Moutallos, that residents had the right to feel safe in their neighbourhood and to see their complaints taken seriously, and that residents could not keep paying for the damage while nothing changed.
