Surveillance cameras reduce vandalism in schools

On September 2, 2026, the Cypriot Minister of Education, Athena Michaelidou, announced a significant reduction in vandalism within schools following the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems. During a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Education to discuss preparations for the new school year, the Minister highlighted that the measure has been highly effective in deterring property damage and criminal behavior, which typically occurred during evening and nighttime hours.

Following these positive results, Minister Michaelidou confirmed that the government plans to proceed with the installation of cameras in nearly all secondary schools as part of a structured program. The initiative is being coordinated with police data to identify areas with high rates of delinquency. While the Minister expressed surprise at the efficacy of the installations, she emphasized that the government's strategy to combat school violence and delinquency involves a broader range of initiatives beyond surveillance, and the rollout will continue according to the existing schedule.