Latest news and stories about public safety in Setúbal, Portugal for expats and residents.
A woman in Palmela has died after waiting over an hour for emergency medical assistance, highlighting critical concerns regarding the availability and maintenance of emergency vehicles.
Dragão Vermelho beach in Costa da Caparica has been closed to swimming following a fatal drowning incident and recurring safety concerns, with the ban remaining in effect until sand replenishment is completed.
A French couple has been placed in preventive detention after being formally charged with abandoning two children in an open field in Alcácer do Sal, Portugal.
The current legal penalties for child abandonment are criticized as inadequate, while reports highlight a significant surge in car theft arrests.
The Minister of Internal Administration has preventively suspended four GNR officers from Palmela for 90 days following charges of kidnapping, abuse of power, and assault against three minors.
A fire in a Setúbal apartment building garage has displaced 30 residents, destroyed one vehicle, and caused significant infrastructure damage, prompting an investigation by the Judiciary Police.
Mayors in Barreiro are opposing the closure of the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit, citing that over 16,000 births have occurred there between 2014 and 2024. They find the decision to close the unit incomprehensible, especially in light of ongoing healthcare challenges, such as ambulances being held for hours at other emergency departments due to high patient volumes.
The Almada City Council has extended the alert status due to ongoing landslide risks on the cliffs of Costa da Caparica and Porto Brandão, following several incidents that have occurred since the onset of recent storms.
Update: Ongoing Landslide Risks The municipality of Almada has recorded several landslides on the cliffs of Costa da Caparica and Porto Brandão, a situation that has not yet been resolved.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has proposed discussions on establishing a disaster fund in Portugal to address damages from increasing natural disasters, such as recent floods. During a visit to the flooded area of Alcácer do Sal, he highlighted the need for financial relief for businesses affected by such calamities, especially those without insurance. He noted that similar funds exist in the European Union and emphasized the opportunity presented by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to support this initiative.
Clarisse Campos, the mayor of Alcácer do Sal, expressed a sense of hope and community resilience in the aftermath of the recent floods that devastated the municipality. In an interview with CNN Portugal, she emphasized the collective desire to rebuild and support one another during this challenging time.
Authorities in Alcácer do Sal report a 'brutal' and rapid rise in the Sado river's flow but say the situation remains under control. Civil Protection is monitoring conditions, has evacuation plans ready should riverside areas flood, and expects the flow to rise slightly more before beginning a slower fall from around 04:00—timing that will depend on further rainfall and dam management decisions. Updates will hinge on precipitation forecasts and operational releases from upstream infrastructure.
The robber stole a mobile phone.
The individual was in possession of a 6.35 mm calibre firearm, an extendable baton, and a professional wallet containing documentation and identification items with police characteristics.
The Maritime Police Psychology Office was activated and the Local Command of the Lisbon Maritime Police took charge of the incident.
Suspect was arrested by the police in Almada following a tip-off from a member of the public
The individual was in possession of a 6.35 mm calibre firearm, an extendable baton, and a professional wallet containing documentation and identification items with police characteristics.
The arrests were for drug trafficking, resistance and coercion, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The suspect repeatedly threatened his ex-partner and controlled her movements because he could not accept the end of the relationship.
A fire at the Carrascas Industrial Park in Palmela has destroyed part of an automotive components factory.
For now, the causes of the fire are still to be determined, but the Palmela firefighters are now providing the first details regarding the firefighting efforts and the extent of the damage at the factory.
A fire at an industrial park in Palmela is currently in the mop-up phase.
A baker from Alcácer do Sal and his wife are willing to take in siblings who were found abandoned in an open field.
The fire did not cause any injuries.
Zacharie and Barthelemy, the two French brothers aged three and five, were abandoned by their mother and stepfather in Alcácer do Sal on May 19. The minors have already returned to France. Marine and Marc are in pre-trial detention.
The suspects are between 16 and 20 years old
There are no reported injuries.
In 2025, “irregularities” were found at 10 of the 22 beaches inspected in Grândola, which had access restricted by tourist developments. Quercus questioned the minister regarding progress.
The crime occurred following an argument over the victim's new relationship. The man eventually turned himself in to the police.
