Cyprus Times

Gunshots Near Police Station: Where is the Chief?

Published January 18, 2026, 10:05
Gunshots Near Police Station: Where is the Chief?

Serious questions are being raised about the absence of the Police Chief, Themistos Arnautis, amid a series of serious criminal incidents that have shocked Cyprus. Within a few hours, a bloody shootout occurred outside the Larnaca Police Headquarters, a murder in Paphos, and an attempted murder in Tersefanou. Criticism focuses on the Chief's limited public appearances and explanations regarding the situation within the Police Force. Mr. Fytiris had warned about the audacity of organized crime, and recent events confirm his fears. The lack of policing during the incident in Larnaca, where shots were fired in front of citizens, is particularly worrying. The Chief's absence and limited prevention measures create a sense of insecurity. The situation in Limassol is described as particularly problematic, with daily criminal acts, while in Larnaca, crime appears to be controlled by protection groups and the use of weapons. The criticism emphasizes that simply being informed about cases is not enough for the Chief, and substantial intervention and cooperation with other agencies are needed. The article concludes with a call for the Chief's substantial intervention and cooperation with the Minister of Justice to combat crime with actions, not just words.