Latest news and stories about crime prevention in Portugal for expats and residents.
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The Mayor of Porto oversaw an inspection operation in the city and promised that policing would soon be reinforced. Pedro Duarte guarantees that the local authority will be relentless in combating insecurity: a Crime Observatory will be created and more than 80 new officers will be hired for the Municipal Police.
Suspects would position themselves behind cars as victims reversed to leave a parking space and simulate being hit. They would then claim 'damage to their mobile phone' and demand money as compensation.
Over the last five years, drug seizures in Portugal have been on an upward trend, particularly cocaine. The number of seizures of this narcotic rose by 20.6% in 2025, and the volume of seized drugs increased by 11.4% compared to 2024, reaching a total of 25.6 tonnes. Authorities acknowledge that this brings challenges related to violent crime in the country, but state they are “proactive” in this fight. Officials from the PJ, PSP, and GNR highlighted the importance of information sharing and daily efforts to ensure public safety, while also noting concerns regarding the emergence of increasingly potent and dangerous synthetic drugs.
Suspects would approach the victim to report 'damage to a mobile phone caused by the alleged hit-and-run' and demand 'a sum of money as compensation', the PJ indicated.
Just pick up your mobile phone and inform them that you are going to call the traffic police.
The article reports that over 130 individuals were detained during the first operation of the year under Portugal's ‘Portugal Sempre Seguro’ initiative, aimed at enhancing public safety. The operation signifies ongoing efforts by authorities to maintain security and order across the country.
The suspects gained thousands of euros from the scams, which occurred mainly in the districts of Porto, Aveiro, and in the Alto Minho region.
Suspects gained thousands of euros from the scams, which occurred mainly in the districts of Porto, Aveiro, and in the Alto Minho region.
In five years, the PSP recorded 853 complaints. In 2025, there was a 78% increase compared to the previous year.
The ruse consists of approaching a driver when they perform a manoeuvre, particularly in large retail areas, demanding an immediate payment through pressure, blackmail, or coercion.
Victims are, particularly, the elderly.
There is a new scam scheme worrying Portuguese police forces. Motorists are being approached on the road by suspects who simulate accidents and demand money to pay for alleged damages. According to the PSP, this type of crime increased by 78% in Portugal last year. In Diário da Manhã, PSP spokesperson Sérgio Soares issues several warnings to drivers.
In 2025, a total of 310 crimes were reported on streets covered by the system, with a decrease from 169 to 141 crimes recorded between the first and second half of the year (-17.6%).
Since 2013, the police have already destroyed 325,000 weapons, preventing them from being used to commit crimes.
The PSP reports that, between 2013 and 2026, it destroyed more than 325,345 weapons of various models and calibres, seized in operations or handed in by members of the public and disposed of by that police force.
The weapons now destroyed reflect, according to the institution, the PSP's 'operational action at the level of criminal and administrative activity'.
