Overview

GNR Albufeira is responsible for the safety and security of the residents of and visitors to the area including the areas of Paderne and Olhos D’Agua.

Although the resident population is lower than the other divisions, it swells considerably especially during the summer months, when over one million tourists, mainly from northern Europe visit the area, particularly the town centre.

Given this situation the Division is commanded by a Major. The current Commander is Captain Valente.

Albufeira Division comprises a number of units, within the Divisional Headquarters as well as two land subdivisions of Paderne and Olhos D’Agua. These sub divisions are responsible for mobile and foot patrols in their areas. In addition there is a GNR post in the Albufeira old town, which serves mainly tourists.

With active night time entertainment, ranging from bars, restaurants and night clubs, the town of Albufeira has attracted may younger tourists, particularly from the UK, Netherlands and Germany and increasingly from France. This has presented challenges for the GNR in terms of policing and crime prevention, as well as crowd management for certain events.

Although the vast majority of tourists are well behaved and respect local culture, there are inevitably some, who under the influence of alcohol, have become victims of crime or causing a nuisance to others. Despite the large number of tourists however, this appears less than other major tourist’s destinations overseas.

Albufeira has seen a considerable decrease in crime over the last 10 years including crime against tourists. Active crime prevention campaigns including those involving Safe Communities Algarve and the British vice Consulate in Portimão have helped contribute to this.

Towards the north there is the area of Paderne which is largely rural in nature. Most of the residents registered with the GNR Safe Residents programme are located in this area.

The Albufeira Divisional Headquarters has a Special Programs Unit, which undertakes the Safe Elderly and Safe Residence Programmes, Safe Commerce and the Schools Programme.

Another responsibility is environmental policing through the SEPNA unit. Those wishing to report animal cruelty can contact SEPNA using the contact details for the Division.

Another headquarters unit (NIC) undertakes investigations within their areas of responsibility. More serious cases are investigated at District level in Faro and cases where large amounts of drugs are involved or firearms are usually passed to the Judicial Police. The unit has had some major successes particular as regards to property crime and drug trafficking.

Apart from daily police activities, the Division undertakes the policing of major events in particular the beach concerts which often involve famous singers thus attracting a large number to the area. The GNR, liaising closely with the Albufeira camera examines the applications for these events in terms of ensuring the safety and security of those attending.

GNR Albufeira and Safe Communities Algarve maintain a close relationship and meet and exchange ideas and information on a regular basis. It is through these meetings that matters bought to the attention of SCA are discussed and dealt with. These meetings also result in the development of new crime prevention initiatives as well as the holding of joint crime prevention displays and seminars.