Turkish Cypriot police declare ‘a state of emergency’ on crime, to carry out massive raid

A surge in crime in North Cyprus and the public outcry has led Turkish Cypriot police to declare ‘a state of emergency’ and launch a nation-wide crackdown on crime in the country.

According to the report by Turkish Cypriot daily, Kibris, on Friday last week, the battle against crime”, would run through the summer from June 17 until September 15. 

Operations will be carried out in all five districts in the north Cyprus, and will take place at all times of day.

Due to staffing problems, Kibris said, police have been transferred from other departments to the crime prevention department, which will be reinforced by an additional 10 people every day on a rotating basis.

The new crackdown is outlined in a document marked “Urgent” that was produced from police headquarters. Entitled Efforts to Operationally Combat Crime and dated June 12, the document sets out a series of measures to be taken, starting from Monday and lasting until September 15.

These will include round-the-clock operations every day except Sunday in the country's five districts – Lefkoşa, Girne, Gazimağusa, İskele and Güzelyurt. 

Police, supported by riot control and other specialist officers, will swoop on premises including entertainment venues, nightclubs and hostels while also stopping vehicles to question occupants.

These measures will seek to assuage public concern over rising crime in the country.

It adds that concern was also voiced by the previous Turkish Cypriot ‘government’ after a robbery took place during Bayram at a Girne jewellery shop in broad daylight, with the culprits easily escaping through Ercan airport.

Reports in the country suggest people are coming in from Turkey, committing burglaries and robberies and leaving immediately afterwards to avoid arrest.