Greek police launched an operation called “Clean Squares” in central Athens on Thursday, sending officers into neighbourhoods with high levels of everyday crime.
The Athens police operation covers areas including Agios Panteleimonas, Amerikis Square and Victoria Square.
Officers spoke with residents and shopkeepers and checked the documents of migrants. The operation uses a new system of rotating patrols. Its aim is to make residents feel safer and to keep public spaces open to everyone.
Police are targeting theft, drug trafficking and the illegal cigarette trade. Special guards are taking part, and more police units are on standby if needed.
At the same time, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis announced plans for a law banning the rental and sublet of central Athens flats that reportedly house 20 to 30 migrants each. Each occupant pays €10 to €30 a night, according to the report.
Chrysochoidis said authorities would carry out operations at these properties to remove the occupants.
He also said migrants who commit crimes and are not held in pretrial detention should leave Greece. Detention centres for people awaiting deportation would hold those accused of criminal activity, he said.
Source: Kathimerini
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