Police put on alert amid concerns of social unrest

Alternate Minister for Citizens’ Protection Yiannis Panousis held several meetings with officials of the Greek police (ELAS) over the weekend in a bid to increase patrols around the country amid concerns of social unrest following recent political developments.

Panousis asked for more patrols late on Friday following Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s call for a referendum on Sunday over Greece’s negotiations with its international creditors. News that the talks had collapsed and fears that capital controls may be imposed prompted thousands of Greeks to withdraw cash from ATMs on Saturday and Sunday, making them potential targets for purse snatchers and thieves.

The police will also be on high alert for possible trouble outside the country’s banks after it was announced Sunday that they will remain closed, possibly throughout the week. All officers have been ordered back from holidays and put on emergency duty.