The second territorial commander of Leiria’s GNR, Pedro Rosa, stated that the process will now proceed to the Guarda’s General Command, which will subsequently forward it to the Ministry of Internal Administration.
Pedro Rosa emphasized that this system “does not replace normal patrols” but “allows the creation of a tool that will be faster and more effective in holding accountable those who commit such crimes.”
Images from the 23 cameras, to be installed in the town of Batalha, will be viewed in the Leiria GNR situation room by military personnel accredited for this purpose, under the General Regulation on Data Protection. They may also be available at the station if conditions allow.
The commander of Batalha’s GNR post, Guilherme Sá, noted that an initial study was conducted encompassing about 50 cameras to cover “all entries, public spaces, school areas, and municipal buildings outside the town’s perimeter.”
However, in its first phase, the project will prioritize schools, tourism, and public services, while also covering all bank agencies. “These tools greatly aid in deterring criminals,” reinforced the Batalha GNR commander.
Domestic violence is the most prevalent crime, which surveillance will not resolve. “However, we recently had a phenomenon of theft from a vehicle that we resolved in a week. We might have solved it in a day or two with the help of cameras,” Guilherme Sá observed.
“The crime rate is sufficiently concerning. Just one crime is enough for us to be worried and aim to resolve it,” he insisted.
The municipality’s investment remains undetermined. The Mayor of Batalha, Raul Castro (independent movement Batalha é de Todos), explained that the cost will only be determined after choosing the cameras, a task that falls under the GNR’s responsibility.
“It’s a future investment and a preventive measure to avoid what is happening in other cities from affecting Batalha. It provides a guarantee of public safety, and thus, this is another tool available to the GNR to assist us in this task,” highlighted Raul Castro.
In the district of Leiria, the GNR also initiated the process of video surveillance in the town of Óbidos and has been in talks with the Leiria City Council regarding areas under its responsibility, such as the Complementary Itinerary 2 (IC2) zone.
The town of Batalha annually attracts thousands of tourists drawn by the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, fulfilling a promise made by King John I in gratitude for his victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota on August 14, 1385, which secured his throne and ensured Portugal’s independence.
The monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
In 2023, the Monastery of Batalha, as it is commonly known, received 366,872 visitors.
