The Algarve municipality announced in a statement that the Mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, had requested additional support from the Minister of Internal Administration during a meeting held on Tuesday. Consequently, Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral has authorized the deployment of 40 military personnel to enhance security in one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
Security concerns in Albufeira have been highlighted in recent weeks following incidents caused by tourists. However, the local authorities dispute an increase in crime rates, arguing that crime statistics per capita do not account for the seasonal population surge that can quadruple during the summer months due to visitors.
“The government has positively responded to the request from José Carlos Rolo, Mayor of Albufeira, by reinforcing with 40 new GNR (National Republican Guard) officers and several support vehicles, including motorcycles and horses for patrolling,” stated the municipality. This enhancement is expected to be “operational” and “effective” within the week.
The Algarve City Council emphasized the importance of the “awareness” and “appeal” championed by José Carlos Rolo with the Minister of Internal Administration.
“The understanding of the need to protect, under any circumstance, the second largest national tourist destination during its peak visitor reception period, as explained to the Minister of Internal Administration, led to this reinforcement, which will significantly bolster regional security,” argued the council in the district of Faro.
Mayor José Carlos Rolo, quoted in the statement, reiterated that the crime rate attributed to Albufeira is being “alarmingly disseminated” and “is false,” as it fails to consider the actual number of people in the region.
Crime in Albufeira became a topic of discussion again last Thursday, following the announcement by the GNR of the arrest of a group of five 17-year-olds for robbery and violent assaults on another 18-year-old, which took place approximately a week prior in the city.
The juveniles appeared in court on Friday and have been mandated to fortnightly court appearances as a preventive measure, according to the GNR after their questioning. They are also banned from entering the municipality and leaving their respective areas of residence, as additional measures imposed by the Portimão court.
Despite disputing a crime increase viewpoint, the local authorities acknowledge that the population hike raises the risk of unrest, often influenced by excessive alcohol consumption, and believe the police reinforcement will help mitigate public insecurity feelings and respond more effectively to potential incidents.
