Gozo diving sites need CCTV after suspected serial thief arrested, tourism association says

The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) is calling for CCTV cameras to be installed at key diving sites around the island following the arrest of a man suspected of repeatedly stealing from divers’ vehicles.

The GTA said stronger surveillance was needed to deter criminal activity and safeguard both tourists and local divers using Gozo’s popular coastal dive sites.

The call comes after a group of divers helped apprehend a suspected thief at Cathedral Cave in Wied il-Għasri on Sunday, 30 August.

The association said, what was expected to be a routine Sunday dive “turned into the arrest of a man allegedly caught stealing from the divers’ vehicles.”

The Gozo Police responded promptly and subsequently arrested the suspect, who the GTA said is believed to have targeted divers’ vehicles at various coastal locations in Gozo on a number of occasions.

The association praised the divers for their vigilance and civic-minded intervention, saying their actions helped prevent further losses to visitors and local divers.

It said the incident highlighted the “strong sense of community” within Gozo’s diving sector, while once again stressing the need for better security infrastructure at dive sites.

According to the GTA, CCTV systems at strategic locations would act as an effective deterrent against theft and other criminal activity, while helping authorities respond to incidents and protect people using the sites.

The GTA said Gozo has an international reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s leading diving destinations. It arguing that improved security would reinforce the island’s image as a safe and welcoming destination for diving enthusiasts.