A rise in break-ins and thefts has been reported in the Aphrodite’s Baths area, prompting concern among residents and property owners, with some of the incidents said to have taken place at homes where tourists were staying.
Paphos police said they have already introduced stronger measures, including night-time surveillance, increased patrols, targeted checks and searches of suspicious people and vehicles.
Owners involved in short-term rentals said break-ins had taken place while guests were inside the properties, affecting both the sense of safety and their professional credibility. They also reported financial losses, saying visitors had cancelled bookings, left negative reviews and asked for refunds.
Residents have voiced frustration over what they see as a lack of effective action, claiming there is organised burglary activity across the wider area, from Pomos to Aphrodite’s Baths. Witness accounts point to repeated incidents, including at the same property, adding to the sense of insecurity.
Paphos police confirmed an increase in such cases, with Assistant Police Operations Director and Paphos police spokesperson Michalis Nicolaou saying there had recently been increased burglary activity, mainly in homes in the area.
He said enhanced measures were already in place, including night-time surveillance, increased patrols, targeted checks and searches of suspicious people and vehicles.
Despite those efforts, there have so far been no concrete results or arrests. However, Nicolaou said operations would continue and intensify with the aim of both solving the cases and preventing new incidents.
He also said that in several cases, burglars managed to enter homes without visible signs of forced entry, suggesting there may have been unsecured windows or other openings. He added that in some complaints the stolen property was limited to small sums of cash, reinforcing the assessment of opportunistic but also systematic activity.
From the local authority side, Polis Chrysochous mayor Yiotis Papachristofi confirmed the problem, saying the Aphrodite’s Baths area has faced similar incidents from time to time.
He said the municipal council had already decided to install a camera surveillance system at selected points considered vulnerable or showing increased movement.
The process of securing the necessary permits is underway, and he expressed optimism that it would be completed soon so implementation could begin.
Papachristofi also said the municipality was determined to proceed with the installation regardless of cost, describing the measure as necessary to strengthen security, deter crime and restore the sense of safety for both residents and visitors.