Athens residents report rising crime and gang violence

Residents in central Athens are reporting increased fear due to a rise in robberies, physical assaults, and gang confrontations. Security footage has documented various incidents, including a violent robbery of two women in the Kolonos area and street fights between rival gangs in Victoria Square.

In response to the escalating crime, the Ministry of Citizen Protection has developed a new policing strategy. The plan includes the permanent deployment of special police units in Victoria Square every night between 22:00 and 06:00. The enhanced security measures will target several key neighborhoods, including Acropolis, Omonoia, Agios Panteleimonas, Kolonos, Kypseli, and Patisia.