One of the best things about living on the island is the relative safety we enjoy. It's not as good as it used to be; not that long ago people would leave their cars and homes unlocked without any fear, and children were confidently left to play in front gardens and neighbourhoods. We were a small island community built on trust where neighbours knew one another well enough to say more than a cursory 'good morning'. Those days are gone, but it's still good compared to most of the rest of the world.
Although, I am starting to wonder just how good it is following an emerging pattern I have noticed. In recent months, there have been several status updates on Facebook warning people to be vigilant about incidents that have happened, but none of the incidents have been publically reported. This makes me wonder how much more happens on a daily basis that we never hear of. How many crimes are committed that do not see the light of day?
The first was an alleged attack on a lone female in a popular nature spot in Larnaca, the second concerns alleged multiple attempted kidnappings of children in the Famagusta areas by the same individual, and the third is several alleged incidents of indecent exposure on one of Larnaca's most popular strips. I won't give further details as none of the stories have been substantiated by the police, and it is certainly not my place to comment and inadvertently spread gossip, especially not within the media.
It's not that I don't trust the sources. All three updates were from people I know to be honest, decent and trustworthy. Furthermore, when they posted the information, many others commented that they too had either heard of the incident or experienced it themselves.
On the one hand, the police do not want to alarm the public unnecessarily, and I can understand this to some extent. We don't need scaremongering, mass panic or vigilante behaviour. But on the other hand, if people knew, they could protect themselves – and their families better – and assist by being on the lookout for suspicious behaviour in the targeted areas, or by people who match the descriptions given.
Furthermore, the advent of social media no longer allows things to be swept under the rug. Nothing that happens in Larnaca will stay secret. We are a small town and with more and more groups and communities on social media, information spreads like wildfire, whether it is of the good variety (like special offers or achievements), or the bad.
So whilst the powers that be are trying to protect us and no doubt do have the best interest of the many at heart (the greater good for the greater number and all that), in this day and age, maybe the process should change to include the public so that they can assist. After all, the more people are aware, the quicker the alleged perpetrators can be apprehended, and the higher the likelihood of maintaining our reputation for having an enviably low crime rate.
First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly, 07/06/14
