As part of its announcement for the Direct Key Program 2025, the GNR highlighted that the districts of Aveiro, Braga, Faro, Leiria, Lisbon, Porto, Santarém, and Setúbal saw the most residential thefts and robberies.
Within its jurisdiction, the GNR reported 5,454 crimes by August 31, mostly involving breaking and entering, climbing, or using false keys for theft.
In 2022, the GNR recorded 8,684 thefts or robberies in homes, 8,213 in 2023, and 8,394 the previous year.
The GNR noted that during the day, suspects typically knock and engage with a well-crafted conversation to gain entry into homes, sometimes approaching homeowners as they arrive or while nearby.
Similar tactics are used in scams, especially against the elderly or vulnerable, beginning with a friendly chat.
At night, suspects occasionally force entry through doors or windows when victims are at home relaxed or asleep, leaving them with no chance to react, the report stated.
According to GNR, some suspects appear to know the routines of their targets.
Residential robberies often involve violence against victims, particularly the elderly and vulnerable individuals.
In these incidents, victims may be assaulted, restrained, or even held captive in their homes during the robbery.
Homes in isolated areas or those lacking security measures tend to be more vulnerable targets, as stated by the GNR.
Regarding the Direct Key Program 2025, which ran from June 15 to September 15, the GNR conducted various awareness and patrol actions in residential areas to emphasize security precautions during homeowners’ absence for summer vacations.
The program involved 5,797 military personnel, received 510 applications for Direct Key 2025, and 2,913 visits were carried out.
