A 45-year-old man was detained by the National Republican Guard (GNR) last Thursday, July 3, in Moita, on suspicion of burglary at a commercial establishment.
In a statement to the press, the GNR detailed, “following a burglary at a restaurant and drink establishment,” officers arrived at the location to confirm “the presence of an individual inside the establishment.”
The suspect was found in possession of “tools used to steal from the tobacco machine located on site.”
Authorities confiscated €224.16, a chisel, and a flashlight.
The suspect was detained, charged, and the case has been referred to the Barreiro Judicial Court.
Crimes in commercial or industrial buildings increased in 2024
The Annual Internal Security Report (RASI) indicates that violent and serious crime rose in Portugal in 2024, while general crime decreased.
Violent and serious crime increased by 2.6% over the previous year, with 14,385 crimes recorded, whereas general crime fell by 4.6% with 354,878 incidents reported.
The RASI notes that the most significant increases in violent and serious crime were in bag snatching (up 8.7%), vehicle theft (up 106.3%), burglaries in commercial or industrial buildings (up 21.7%), rape (up 9.9%), and robberies at banks or other credit establishments (up 128.6%).
General crime, which is documented by GNR, PSP, PJ, Maritime Police, Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE), Tax and Customs Authority (AT), and the Military Judicial Police, totaled 354,878 reports in 2024, 17,117 fewer than in 2023.
According to the report, the crime with the highest increase compared to the previous year was pickpocketing (up 12%).
The RASI also highlights increases in thefts from areas adjacent to residences (up 411), tax trust abuse (up 415), supermarket theft (up 511), and currency counterfeiting and distribution of false currency (up 1,555).
