Young Vandalism Incident at Preveza Hospital: Security Concerns Raised

A shocking incident of violence and vandalism occurred at the Preveza Hospital when young individuals broke into the facilities, with one of them committing theft and vandalism. The incident began at 3 a.m. on Tuesday (04.03.2025), when a car carrying four Greek-origin youths stopped at the hospital gate. They were reportedly intoxicated and requested medical examination. Following protocol, the guard allowed them to enter the Emergency Department. One individual was admitted for treatment while the other three waited in the waiting area. While waiting, one youth entered the interior of the hospital and locked himself inside the ambulance bay. From there, he stole a mobile phone and a television, according to POEDHN President Michalis Giannakos. “The ambulance driver who noticed him attempted to open the door, but the perpetrator jumped out of the first-floor window into the yard. The ambulance driver opened the door, and the thief escaped with the TV under his arm, hiding it in the forecourt among cars,” said Giannakos. Despite efforts by the guard to apprehend him, the suspect managed to escape and re-entered the hospital through the back exit to continue his acts. The perpetrator returned to the hospital and ascended to the first floor, breaking into staff changing rooms, rummaging through clothes, and causing damage. He also vandalized walls with markers before being caught by the ambulance driver. The other two youths claimed ignorance and were not arrested, nor was the patient being treated for intoxication. Questions remain as to why the rest of the group wasn’t considered accomplices. POEDHN highlights that public hospitals are easy targets due to insufficient security measures. They demand immediate action, including hiring adequate security personnel, regular police patrols, and filing complaints against offenders. This incident in Preveza is not isolated; without swift mobilization, hospital safety will remain at risk.