Cyprus - Crime Cyprus has a crime rate of 10 per cent that of most west European countries and around 6 per cent that of the UK. The low incidence of crime among Cypriot nationals is accounted for by the closeness of family ties, the emphasis on upholding the family's honour and reputation, and the social pressures for education and achievement. You'll find that people often leave their cars unlocked, or doors and windows open. This takes a bit of getting used to when you first arrive. You should, however, play safe and keep valuables locked away. The main objectives of the Cyprus police are to maintain law and order throughout the Republic, to preserve peace, to prevent and detect crime, to apprehend offenders, to protect the population and public installations, to improve the movement of road traffic and to reduce road accidents. Cyprus shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorists and the Foreign Office warns that, like everywhere else, attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilians. The presence of the United Nations peacekeeping force and British army may also provoke terrorist attacks, although it hasn't so far. Theft is the most common crime in Cyprus, with fraud second in line. Murders, sex offences and violent crime are very uncommon.