Crime and Criminals

[shanagarry]

It's a bit disturbing to see the increasing amount of crime being inflicted on the non-Portuguese community and reported in the local english-speaking press in recent weeks and it's not as if it it's theft or burglary - it's the violence associated with it. While it appears to be mainly in the Faro/Almancil/Loule areas - are there any similar trends in the Carvoeiro area?

This is crime that is driving some people back to their native land as they believe the GNR don't appear to be interested or prepared to do anything about it. It begs the question - 'are they taking the same stance as UK Police and turning up several days later to take statements when there's no change of any evidence and it just goes down as a statistic'?

While it is a way of life in most metropolitan areas here in the UK - could it become an epidemic of plague like proportions that knows no boundaries

[EMM]

We too have followed this thread on other forums where arguements have got quite heated in recent months.

It is a fact that every winter there are reports of breakins some associated with violence usually in remote locations.

Affected by the decline in tourism ( for other reasons l )local councils and business has appealed to central government to take action.

Do I think that we are at greater risk in the Algarve than in the UK, not at all we feel much , much safer.

Like most sensible people of a certain age we no longer feel any need to join in the appalling, violent , vomit ridden scrum that has become the UK city/town centre at nightime. Yet we are more than happy to walk home through CVO , Albufeira at 2.00-4.00am after a good night out.

Sometimes I feel that those expats who do believe that life in the Algarve not what they expected have forgotten just how bad the UK can be and have a totally optimistc view of the abilities and responses to problems that we experience ( if we ever see them ) from our local UK police forces.

[shanagarry]

EMM - I guess it is the appalling state of the UK after dark that prompted me to ask the question - in fact it doesn't have to be dark anymore 'the vomit ridden' scum (as you describe them) operate in daylight as well.

It is reassuring that Cvo has not succumbed to that level of 'clientele' - at least for now.

However, what about the violent robberies that have been reported in some detail- and in recent times - they are a bit more than a 'break-in' aren't they

[EMM]

I can recall reports of violent breakins almost every year since we started visting the Algarve.

There may have been more this winter ?
As to the attention given to them by the " Expat " press they have very little to write about thats of interest to most of their readers so as ever headlines sell newspapers.

[Globetrotter]

I had heard that a task force had recently been put together to combat the problem. Let me see if I can find the source of info.

[pato]

I had heard that a task force had recently been put together to combat the problem. Let me see if I can find the source of info.

Don't tell me it's been stolen

[Polli62]

This is a copy of an announcement from the facebook "Algarve Against Crime" group.
Dear Friends, We have just received a communication from the Dutch, British and German consuls in the Algarve, who are aware of this group and who held a meeting last week in Faro with the Minister of Internal Affairs, several secretaries of state and our Governadora C...ivil Mrs Isilda Gomes. All the Presidents of Camaras of the Algarve were also present. The Portuguese authorities showed how concerned and how seriously they were taking the problem of growing crime in the Algarve. They ensured that they were taking every possible step to help prevent crime, including the intervention of foreign specialists, the use of special systems for fast identification of people and cars, mapping of isolated houses with numbers and transfer of 250 extra policemen to the Algarve. Mr Emidio Seruca, President of the Camara de Loule, showed great determination and pressed for immediate action from the government. He also stressed the necessity of good communication between Foreign residents and Portuguese citizens for greater cooperation. The Minister of internal affairs held a speech that left no doubt about the actions that were under way. The Dutch, British and German Consuls have requested a follow up to this meeting shortly with the Governadora Civil in Faro, to keep informed about the progress and validity of all actions taken. We will keep you informed of any further news we will receive and can only encourage you to keep supporting this page by inviting your friends to join and keep posting your comments.
This is a link to the group on facebook if any of you wish to join
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=273005108752

[biffa]

Big cash withdrawal from Barclays in Lagoa yesterday. They took out the ATM machine with a JCB during the night! No alarm system so they only knew when they came to open up at 0800!

[shanagarry]

Barclays Bank does not have an alarm system - incredible

[Michael Crane]

Barclays Bank does not have an alarm system - incredible

They don't have an ATM either!

[jonboy]

Alarm or no alarm the crims all know the GNR response times are slower than slow so they take the chance. Same with house break ins, GNR know most of the crims responsible, know where they live but don't the have reosurces to deal with the issue ie a few undercovers discretley tracking their nocturnal activities.

JB

[Polli62]

In some cases, the GNR know who the gangs are but they are very experienced criminals. They sometimes change the number plates on their cars several times a day and very quickly get rid of anything they steal so if they are caught, they rarely have anything on them which makes it difficult for them to bring charges.

[forester]

I wonder what they got for one slightly abused ATM?

[BobT]

Probably the same gang the stole the ATM from Intermarche 18 months ago!