The safety of residents and the thousands of visitors expected this summer in Halkidiki was a key issue at a meeting held in Kassandra under the Minister of Citizen Protection, Michael Chrysochoidis. During the meeting, the operational plan of the National Police for the summer period was presented, which provides for a significant strengthening of police forces and traffic police throughout the prefecture.
The minister announced that the Halkidiki Police Directorate will be reinforced with 200 additional police officers, so that all services can fully respond to the increased needs created by tourist traffic on a daily and 24-hour basis. As he stressed, the aim is for Halkidiki to remain a completely safe destination in 2026.
Chrysochoidis noted that, after the results of last year, the main priorities of the Police remain the fight against organised crime, the intensification of traffic controls, juvenile delinquency and domestic violence. At the same time, it sent a clear message of zero tolerance towards any form of illegality during the summer season.
As he said, those who attempt to operate illegally in the area – either through extortion, drug trafficking or other illegal activities – will not be tolerated, as police services are on full operational readiness and will intervene immediately.
He also made special reference to businesses operating in the tourism sector, stressing that they must operate in accordance with the law and with the safety of citizens and visitors as a key consideration.
As part of the planning, priority is also given to road safety, with an increased presence of the traffic police on the road network, with the aim of reducing road accidents during the summer months.
The minister also referred to incidents of violence against minors and domestic abuse, noting that the competent services of the Hellenic Police are organised and ready to support and protect every victim, whether they are women, children or elderly.
According to data presented at the meeting, in 2025 Halkidiki welcomed more than 2.3 million tourists, while almost 3,500 businesses of tourist interest operated. The approximately 150,000 beds available recorded in several periods occupancy rates that reached 100%.
The delays observed at the borders following the implementation of the entry-exit system for non-Schengen citizens, which provides for the taking of biometric data, were also mentioned. Chrysochoidis acknowledged that there are complaints from neighbouring countries, but made it clear that the implementation of European legislation is mandatory.
As he explained, the delays are not due to staff shortages, as where necessary there will be immediate filling of positions, but to the time required by the new control procedures. At the same time, he pointed out that the existing infrastructure at the borders is old and needs modernisation, while upgrade projects are already underway.
Finally, referring to the recent cases of dismantling criminal organisations in Crete and Thessaloniki related to the illegal management of European subsidies, he stressed that investigations will continue. As he said, these cases concern organised circles that were gaining illegal financial benefits and not ordinary farmers, while pointing out the important contribution of the special service for the fight against organised crime in the investigations.
