school vandalism — MP Pavlos Mylonas has sharply criticised the police for their failure to address juvenile delinquency and the ongoing vandalism of school property in Limassol.
- school vandalism — MP Pavlos Mylonas has sharply criticised the police for their failure to address juvenile delinquency and the ongoing vandalism of school property in Limassol.
During a visit to Ypsonas and Linopetra high schools, as well as the Limassol Primary School of Zakakiou–Polykarpou, Mylonas expressed concern over the deteriorating situation. He stated, “The police are incompetent and unable to respond,” urging Education Minister Athena Michaelidou and police chief Themistos Arnaoutis to clarify the lack of effective action.
Mylonas highlighted that this issue is not new; he described it as a recurring problem, stating, “Like every year, the same story repeats itself, with serious delinquency problems and deficiencies in logistical infrastructure.” He noted that the situation in Ypsonas is particularly severe compared to other areas.
With much of the vandalism occurring at night, Mylonas called on the police to “finally meet their obligations” to prevent damage to school property, stressing that perpetrators are rarely caught. He insisted that the public deserves accountability from both the police chief and the minister, saying, “Let the chief and the minister explain why the police cannot respond, because this is what the citizen sees and this is the truth.”
The MP did not limit his critique to Limassol, pointing out that police shortcomings reflect a broader issue across the island. He mentioned that in Nicosia, support units have been established within schools aimed at assisting children exhibiting delinquent behaviour, including those involved in criminal activities and substance abuse. The education ministry has committed to expanding these support structures throughout Cyprus.
As a nationwide student protest looms, announced by the Pan-Cypriot Student Coordinating Committee (PSEM) for September 22, Mylonas acknowledged students’ rights to demonstrate. The protest arises from ongoing grievances about poor school infrastructure, particularly broken air conditioning systems, which led students at Polis Chrysochous Gymnasium and Kykkos A Lyceum in Nicosia to walk out, labelling their classrooms as “ovens.”
While supporting the students’ cause, Mylonas emphasised the importance of responsibility. “They [the students] need to show patience. Classes are critical and important and we don’t need disruption in schools,” he remarked, underscoring that the government is working to resolve these issues.
He expressed frustration over the repeated announcements regarding plans to address the air-conditioning problem, stating, “The minister has announced [the action plan and timetable for the air-conditioning issue] many times. I’m tired of listening to the same thing.” Mylonas called for a more proactive approach to ensure that students can learn in a safe and conducive environment.
