“Violent crime, from a historical perspective, has decreased significantly,” stated Manuel Pinto during the PJ’s 80th anniversary celebrations in Porto.
Speaking to journalists at the event, he noted a reduction in crimes committed by organized groups at fuel stations, jewelry stores, or homes, which were prevalent years ago.
António Pinto mentioned that in the past five years, the PJ in Porto recorded 3,700 inquiries related to violent crime, accounting for 10% of crimes.
However, from the beginning of this year until August, the investigative police noted an increase, with such crimes now representing 12%, a figure that may change by the year’s end, he highlighted.
The director of PJ Porto, Pedro Machado, also noted a significant change in violent crime against property over the last decade.
“It no longer assumes, in general, the proportions, widespread violence, and organized nature that occurred in the past, following the successive dismantling of numerous criminal groups as a result of investigations conducted by the PJ,” he pointed out.
Due to the characteristics and dynamics associated with this type of crime, it demands that the involved investigators be highly specialized and constantly updated to understand and anticipate new methods and tactics, he explained.
And to effectively identify and dismantle criminal groups and networks, he added.
