We continue our round up of the local news from Fethiye, Muğla and surrounding area.

Russian Residents Rising

Figures released this week show that Russian buyers are now dominating the foreign property market in Finike, Kumluca and Kaş with around 4,500 Russian residents currently counted across those towns.

Meanwhile estate agents east of Antalya have been attending property fairs in Russia, with the result that they are now selling in and around Alanya, and predicting a Russian population rising to 8,000 for the area over the next three years.

Tlos Time Team Terminate

The summer excavation season at Tlos is now over with the dig team returning to their winter academic roles.

This year a large team of 40 archaeologists, 26 students and 38 labourers worked from 13 June until 26 September and, amongst other finds, they uncovered several statues now undergoing conservation at Fethiye Museum.

Tomb Raiders Arrested

Four men were arrested in Kayaköy this week and charged with trying to illegally obtain antiquities.

The men were caught with generators, power hammers, spades and picks breaking into a stone Lycian tomb.

They have all been remanded in custody.

Police Puffer Patrol Pass

Police and jandarma have been visiting clubs and bars in Fethiye to ensure the smoking ban in public places is being enforced.

As no-one was arrested during this operation we presume they found the no smoking law was being observed.

However, according to one news source over 35,000 TL of fines have been issued in Fethiye since the enforcement visits began some 8 months ago under the Ministry of Healths' Clean Air campaign.