Residents of the Kyparissos Court Blocks 1, 2 and 3 along Tombs of the Kings Avenue in Paphos have again raised alarm over ongoing burglaries, thefts and public safety concerns, which they link to the abandoned Roman Hotel that shows signs of illegal occupation.
The situation, which has been ongoing for around two weeks, remains unresolved and appears to be escalating. According to residents, at approximately 02:00 on 22 April 2026, police attended the area with two patrol vehicles following a disturbance reported by residents and private security, resulting in one arrest.
Despite this, residents say that assurances of increased patrols have not translated into a consistent or visible police presence. Instead, there has been a noticeable increase in private security patrols during night hours, which may have contributed to the arrest.
Residents further claim that the police response during the incident was delayed and lacked sufficient operational support or coordination, despite the potentially dangerous circumstances. They argue that both private security personnel and residents were exposed to risk.
According to testimonies, one police officer initially refused to enter the premises to apprehend an individual allegedly residing illegally in the hotel, citing age and safety concerns. Residents question why backup was not immediately requested and why a more appropriate operational response was not deployed.
Break-ins have continued, with a new incident reported the previous night at a residence located directly next to the abandoned hotel. The property belongs to an elderly couple with health and mobility issues and has reportedly been targeted almost nightly since 11 April 2026.
The repeated incidents and perceived lack of response have left the couple and other residents feeling anxious and unsafe. Residents say police had committed to revisiting the elderly couple’s home to take statements, taking into account their age and condition. However, despite this commitment on 15 April and repeated follow-up calls, no visit has taken place.
Stolen items are extensive and include tools and equipment such as hammers, screwdrivers, electric saws, drills, a Dremel tool set, ratchet sets, a wood planer, sander, stapler, grass trimmers, battery-powered sprayers, and a Bose sound system with five speakers.
Residents report that individuals enter properties from the hotel grounds, accessing yards and garages and removing items. There have been repeated sightings of individuals climbing over walls into neighbouring properties, including during daylight hours.
On 22 April at around 11:30, an individual was seen entering a private yard before heading towards the road. On 23 April at approximately 08:30, another individual was observed leaving the hotel premises in an intoxicated state and heading towards a commercial area while using a mobile phone. Additionally, a suspect was reportedly seen carrying a knife, heightening safety concerns.
Residents say repeated calls and reports to police have not resulted in consistent follow-up. Promises of callbacks often go unfulfilled, while requests for an inspection of the abandoned building have not been acted upon.
They also express concern over the apparent inaction of the private company managing the abandoned hotel, noting that no visible steps have been taken to secure the premises or press for an official inspection.
The situation is having a significant impact on daily life, causing stress, fear and insecurity, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Residents are calling for immediate and coordinated action, including inspection and securing of the hotel, a steady police presence, and better coordination between authorities and property management.
They stress that the issue has evolved into an ongoing public safety concern affecting the wider area.