Dimoglidou to Proto Thema: Police now enter roma settlements — Patrol cars also serve as taxis and ambulances
The Hellenic Police spokesperson, Konstantia Dimoglidou, spoke on the TV show Direct with Giorgos Evgenidis about new types of scams, police patrols in Roma settlements, domestic violence, and the case that shook her more than any other
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“Crime concerns people because it touches their daily lives,” Dimoglidou said, explaining that most cases the police now handle involve fraud rather than violent crime. “We now see far fewer burglaries and robberies. The new types of scams are the most widespread,” she noted, adding that the police have already adopted new prevention and public awareness measures.
“Scammers manipulate fear and trust”
Dimoglidou explained that the most common scams involve criminals who convince victims through fake scenarios to hand over money or property — for example, calling parents and pretending their child has been in a car accident.
“They panic the victims and make them believe they’re speaking to real people,” she said. “Strangely enough, the information they use is minimal — because citizens unknowingly provide it themselves.”
The perpetrators, she added, often pose as relatives or public officials, adapting their tone to the victim’s emotional state. Her advice to citizens:
“Ask your mobile provider to make your number private — and contact the police immediately if anything seems suspicious.”
Permanent Police Presence in Roma Settlements
Addressing crime in Roma settlements, Dimoglidou stressed the importance of avoiding stereotypes:
“There are many respectable Roma families who have never caused trouble. My own children have Roma classmates,” she said.
She confirmed that police patrols are already taking place, and that the next step, as announced by Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis, will be a 24-hour police presence inside settlements.
“The team will consist of officers from the Organized Crime Directorate, specially trained for this task. We’re starting in Attica, and will expand wherever needed,” she explained.
Road Safety and Domestic Violence
Dimoglidou also discussed Greece’s road safety culture:
“We still lack road awareness — both behind the wheel and in the aftermath of accidents,” she said, while acknowledging some progress. “The picture is improving. We’re seeing more helmet use. Alcohol checks will now intensify, with temporary road closures during operations.”
On domestic violence, she noted a rise in women reporting abuse and using the new panic button app.
“More women are coming forward. Especially when there’s a threat to their life, they’re using the panic button to get immediate help,” she said.
When asked whether police patrol cars now function as taxis — a reference to the tragic Kyriaki Griva case — Dimoglidou confirmed:
“Yes, patrol cars are used as both taxis and ambulances,” explaining that they assist in transporting victims to hospitals or forensic units when necessary.
“The Kyriaki Griva case shook me deeply”
Dimoglidou admitted that the Griva case was the most emotionally difficult of her career.
“I was disappointed by the way my colleagues handled it. It was unfair that the entire force was blamed,” she said, adding that at the time she didn’t wish to speak publicly, but was urged by colleagues to help restore public trust in the police.
