Investigation Underway After Molotov Cocktail Incident in Limassol
In a startling act of defiance, a mobile traffic camera van became the target of an attack on Friday night in the Kato Polemidia area of Limassol. According to police reports, the vehicle was subjected to a Molotov cocktail, a crude incendiary device, at approximately 9.20 pm. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the van escaped the incident without damage.
The authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to uncover the motives behind this aggressive act and to identify the perpetrators. The attack on the traffic camera van is not an isolated event. There is a history of hostility towards these mobile units. Last year, a similar van near Xylofagou was under fire, with gunshots being reported. Multiple reports have indicated that such incidents have been occurring with some frequency.
Further instances of violence against traffic enforcement tools include a drive-by shooting directed at a camera van in the Larnaca district, executed with a hunting rifle in 2022. In another case of public outrage, a man from Paphos was arrested last October after he physically struck a van and hurled expletives at the camera operator.
The series of attacks highlight a growing tension between traffic enforcement authorities and segments of the public. The recent use of a Molotov cocktail, however, marks an escalation in the methods of vandalism and aggression against traffic camera operations. Law enforcement agencies are urging witnesses or anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as they work to ensure the safety of their personnel and the effectiveness of their traffic monitoring systems.
As the investigation continues, police are increasing their vigilance and are expected to implement additional measures to protect mobile traffic camera vans and their operators from further attacks.
