Delays in police response due to deployment at metro stations

There are delays in police response times to burglar alarms and calls from Athens residents because of their recent deployment to guard metro stations, Dailyhellas understands.

Of the 217 motorcycle-riding DIAS teams that patrol the capital around the clock, 111 have over the past few days been assigned to protect stations.

The decision was taken after self-styled anarchists smashed ticket issuing and validation machines at several metro stops this month.

As a result, it now takes police some 90 minutes to respond to non-emergency situations, while they are not in a position to react when they are notified about burglar alarms going off.