Police Patrol Vehicle Stolen from Checkpoint in Aradippou

An unknown individual stole a police patrol van at a foot-and-mouth disease monitoring checkpoint in Aradippou, Cyprus, early Monday morning, according to local media reports.

According to information, a 25-year-old Greek Cypriot with a prior record of drug-related offenses was arrested on Tuesday evening in Livadia and has confessed. He stated that, feeling distressed for personal reasons, he approached the site, noticed the flashing lights on the empty service van, and got behind the wheel, driving toward Larnaca. He claimed he then abandoned the vehicle in Larnaca and left on foot. The suspect has been brought before the Larnaca District Court for a remand order.

The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00 AM at the livestock disease control checkpoint. The officer in charge, deployed to reinforce measures, was outside the vehicle and, according to investigations, had stepped away to retrieve personal items from his private car. Preliminary reports suggest the keys were left in the ignition, allowing the perpetrator to start the van. The officer noticed the theft and began a pursuit in his private vehicle.

The police member responsible for the vehicle at the time is facing questioning and has been interdicted (temporarily suspended) pending the completion of the investigation and potential disciplinary proceedings.