A request addressed to the Minister of Internal Administration by socialist deputies highlights their concern over a projected 28.2% increase in violent and serious crime in 2024, emphasizing a 55% rise in home robberies and a 34% increase in purse snatchings, as revealed by the Annual Internal Security Report.
The parliamentarians note that “public safety in the municipality of Leiria has been deteriorating alarmingly,” with significant figures in domestic violence reports (1,014), physical assault cases (880), and incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol (857).
The socialists point out that while overall crime has decreased, violent and serious crimes in Leiria city surged by 56% between January and August 2024, with 78 recorded incidents, 28 more than in the same period last year.
In this context, Eurico Brilhante Dias and Catarina Louro, who currently serves as a non-executive councilor in the Leiria City Council, assert that the establishment of the Leiria Municipal Police is of significant importance.
Although the municipality has completed all necessary procedures for the establishment of the police force, a resolution from the Council of Ministers is still pending, as the Ministry of Internal Administration has not yet issued the required order for its formal constitution.
The deputies seek to know when the necessary governmental order is expected to be issued for its formal constitution and what measures are being considered to address the worsening crime in the Leiria municipality, particularly concerning the reinforcement of human and material resources for security forces, and coordination with the future Municipal Police in implementing integrated urban security solutions.
