The Algarve Situation Report Thursday 9th January 2025

by Mike Evans

A very warm welcome to this the first Algarve Report of 2025. To those receiving this for the first time this report highlights events and news items which have happened across the region in the past week or so which are of interest to those of us who are concerned with safety and security. If you feel there are other topics you would like to know about please let us know by email and we will try our best to make this report relevant. As with most starts of the year we are reviewing the latest stats regarding the incidence of road accidents and deaths on the roads across the whole country with some special emphasis on the Algarve region.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR ROAD ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Across the country as a whole there were Fewer accidents but more deaths on the roads during Christmas and New Year. Road safety authorities recorded 5,499 accidents on Portuguese roads during the Christmas and New Year period, which caused 25 deaths and 115 serious injuries, fewer accidents but more deaths and injuries than in the previous year .

Between December 18, 2024 and January 2, 2025, 502 fewer accidents were recorded than in the previous same period, but there were five more fatalities, eight more serious injuries and 13 more minor injuries (1,692), the National Road Safety Authority ( ANSR ), the PSP and the GNR recently announced in a joint statement to take stock of the road safety campaign “The best gift is being present”.

According to the data released, compared to the same period in 2023/2024, road accidents saw a 25% increase in the number of fatalities, a 7.5% increase in the number of serious injuries and a 0.8% increase in the number of minor injuries, but a decrease of 8.4% in the number of accidents.

The 25 fatalities resulted from accidents in the districts of Aveiro (two dead), Beja (one dead), Braga (two dead), Castelo Branco (one dead), Faro (three dead), Guarda (one dead), Leiria (three dead), Lisbon (six dead), Porto (one dead), Santarém (two dead), Setúbal (two dead) and Viseu (one dead). In the accidents with fatalities, skidding predominated, involving eight light vehicles, seven motorcycles, one quad bike and one agricultural vehicle.

There were also six collisions, involving nine light vehicles, two motorcycles and two bicycles, as well as three run-overs, involving the same number of light vehicles and resulting in three deaths. Of the 25 fatalities, 21 were male and four were female, aged between 19 and 76, the data show.

END OF TOLLS ON A22 FINALLY ARRIVES

After almost 14 years of fighting against tolls on the A22, the existing gantries between Vila Real de Santo António and Lagos were shut down on 1 January, with their removal being “the next battle”. In recent years, this issue has sparked heated debates and revealed different social, economic and environmental perspectives. This decision, supported by residents and local organisations, has profound implications, both positive and negative. From the very first day – 8 December 2011 – the introduction of tolls on the A22 motorway was the subject of protests from locals, local authorities, companies and political parties, and also sparked several parliamentary debates.

For many, the charge was considered one of the “ordeals” of the Algarve residents, who were forced to use the National Road (EN) 125, where road safety leaves much to be desired. After this “saga” and after advances and setbacks, travelling from Sotavento to Barlavento is now cheaper.

Meanwhile the A22 Users’ Committee warns that the fight will continue “for the removal of gantries, denunciation of the public-private partnership and maintenance of the pavement”.

“We must continue to fight. The fight is not over yet. The Via do Infante Users’ Committee [CUVI], from this moment on, will continue to demand the dismantling of the gantries. “Because we don’t know if tomorrow we’ll have another government that, claiming difficulties for the country, will be tempted to reinstate tolls,” says João Vasconcelos, spokesperson for CUVI.

LOULE COUNCIL SHOW POSITIVE RESULTS FOR FIRE PREVENTION IN 2024

In 2024, the municipality of Loulé recorded one of the smallest burnt areas since 2004, corresponding to a value of less than six hectares, concluded the local authority during a meeting of the Municipal Commission for the Integrated Management of Rural Fires in Loulé.

“The municipality of Loulé had a positive performance in fire management, demonstrating that an integrated and collaborative strategy can generate significant results”, consider municipal officials.

According to the municipality, although it recorded the “highest number of small-scale fires” compared to other municipalities in the Algarve, many of the occurrences were identified as “false alarms”, which reinforces the need for “constant vigilance” and a “rapid response capacity”.“The conclusions were presented in detail at the meeting chaired by Mayor Vítor Aleixo, which included several presentations on the work carried out at municipal level in the areas of planning, awareness and public information, prevention, surveillance and fighting of rural fires in the municipality”, the local authority highlights in a statement.

According to those present at the meeting, the reduction in the burnt area was the result of several factors, including “the reinforcement of available resources and equipment, the increase in surveillance actions and the intensification of prevention measures”.

At the same time, Loulé City Council has acquired two Light Firefighting Vehicles (VLCI) that will be part of the fleet of its Municipal Fire Department.

“These are emergency vehicles designed to fight fires, especially in urban and forest areas,” the municipality said in a statement. Because they are smaller vehicles, they are more “agile” and “allow access to places that are difficult for larger vehicles to reach.”

As such, the municipality considers that they are essential for the “speed and effectiveness” of interventions, especially in areas with limited access, constituting an “added value” for optimizing the operational capacity of the Loulé Fire Department.

The vehicles, which represented an investment of 180 thousand euros, include a fire service pump, hoses and other “essential” equipment for fighting fires. In addition, their fuel capacity is sufficient to travel “at least 300 kilometers” or operate the fire pump for “four consecutive hours”.

“Equipping ourselves with equipment such as these vehicles is essential to be able to implement an effective fire-fighting policy, safeguarding human lives, property and the environment. This is, therefore, a very important investment for our community”, highlights Mayor Vítor Aleixo.

LAGOS PROMOTES LIFE SUPPORT AND DEFIBRILLATOR COURSE

As part of the implementation of the Municipal Automatic External Defibrillation Program (PMDAE), which has 24 AED devices in the municipality, 11 of which are in booths on public roads, the municipality of Lagos , through the Civil Protection and Forest Defense Service, offers a Basic Life Support and Automatic External Defibrillation course .

Registration for the Basic Life Support and Automatic External Defibrillation course (7h) can be done through the online form .

“Interested parties will be admitted based on their residence or work area in the vicinity of the AED booths. If you are already an operator with certification from the SBV AED course, please contact us to join the AED operator pool”, informs the municipality.

All information can be found here . Questions and queries should be sent to pmdae@cm-lagos.pt .

200 NEW MEDICAL INTERNS FOR THE ALGARVE

The Algarve Local Health Unit (ULSALG) began the year 2025 by welcoming 202 intern doctors who chose the Algarve health units to carry out their medical internship in General and Specialty Training, General and Family Medicine internship and eight Pharmaceutical Residents.

The Quinta do Sobral event space, in Castro Marim, was the chosen location to welcome, on Friday, January 3, more than 200 new general and specialist intern doctors who will work for the Algarve Local Health Unit, the local authority announced.

The opening session was attended by the president of the Castro Marim City Council , also a doctor, Francisco Amaral , who inaugurated the event with a speech in which he recalled his career in the health sector.

The mayor also recalled the initiatives and measures he has taken over the last few years, such as transporting patients to appointments and examinations, the Mobile Health Unit, the anti-smoking programme and the most recent vaccination campaign against pneumonia.

Francisco Amaral took the opportunity to leave some words and advice to the new doctors, in addition to asking that these professionals settle in the Algarve region. “Learn and dedicate your heart and soul to your profession, or rather, to your vocation,” he added.

The day’s program also included several presentations, meetings and sharing of information about Medical Internship and Pharmaceutical Residency, with the Medical Internship Directorate.

NEW COURSE FOR AQUATIC SAFETY AIMED AT CHILDREN & PARENTS LAUNCHED

Faro Beach  has become the stage for the Aquacidade no Mar project, which aims to provide children, young people and their families with essential knowledge and skills for safety in the aquatic environment, contributing to the prevention of accidents and risky behavior at sea.

The project promotes “inclusive” classes, aimed at children aged three to twelve, but also open to their families. It takes place every Saturday at Praia de Faro, from 3pm to 3:45pm, until 31 May.

“The proposal is to offer an educational and fun environment where participants learn to: adapt to the aquatic environment; practice safety at sea; prevent drowning; and act effectively in risky situations”, highlights Red Seagull in a statement. Participation is free, but requires prior registration via the online form . For more information, Red Seagull provides contact number 932178808.

POLICE IN PORTIMÃO ARREST FOUR DRUG TRAFFICKERS WITH ALMOST 2000 DOSES OF COCAINE

On Tuesday, the GNR of Portimão arrested four men and named a fifth man as a defendant, aged between 30 and 41, for drug trafficking in Portimão, Lagos and Lagoa.

In a statement, the GNR said that as part of an investigation into drug trafficking, which lasted approximately 18 months, with the aim of dismantling a criminal network operating in the western Algarve region, “six house searches and eight vehicle searches were carried out, culminating in the arrest of four men and the indictment of a fifth man”.

A total of 1996 doses of cocaine were seized; a tool used to cut the drug; a digital scale; 20 mobile phones; six pieces of gold and €3680 in cash.

The detainees were charged and the facts were reported to the Portimão Judicial Court.

MILLION-EURO ROBBERY AT LUXURY HOME IN VILAMOURA

The Judiciary Police are investigating a multi-million euro robbery at a luxury home in the Vilamoura area, which reportedly took place on January 6th.

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, the robbery occurred when the owners were at home. They were forced to hand over a large amount of money, jewellery and other valuables, but were not assaulted.

The value of the robbery is said to be more than one million euros.

The victims filed a complaint with the National Republican Guard (GNR), however the case was handed over to the Judiciary Police.

GNR SEIZE 93 KILOS OF HASHISH IN JUST 2 DAYS

The Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF) and the Faro GNR Territorial Command, seized 93.6 kilos of hashish as part of intensive patrols along the Algarve coast during the last two days.

According to a statement from the GNR, these patrols were carried out predominantly because of the worsening weather conditions, with the aim of detecting possible landslides along the coast, but resulted in the seizure of drugs.

On Monday, during a patrol on Rebolos/Burgau beach, in Vila do Bispo, soldiers from the Portimão Coastal Control sub-detachment identified a bulky object close to the surf, which was a bundle of burlap with a narcotic product inside.

On the same day, the Portimão territorial detachment of the same security force received a report regarding the presence of another bundle, on Mareta beach in Sagres. At the scene, the military confirmed that the bundle contained narcotics, and was accompanied by a jerrycan containing 25 litres of fuel.

On Tuesday, several packages were found near the surf on Vale da Lapa/Lagoa beach, by soldiers from the Portimão Coastal Control sub-detachment, which also contained a narcotic product.

So thank you for reading to the end of this report. Have a great week

 

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 11th December 2024

by Mike Evans

Good day to you all. As the festive holidays get closer and the weather has taken a turn for the worse we should all be aware of the dangers of driving during these holiday periods with excess alcohol in your system. Portugal has the sixth highest number of deaths per million inhabitants across the EU and whilst the trend over the first 6 months of 2024 show a decrease in this figure compared to the same period in 2023 we know from other years data that we see an increase in accidents on our roads during the winter period especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays. There were 642 deaths on our roads during the first 6 months of the year. The Police authorities will be campaigning again over the holiday period to crack down on Drink Driving so to enjoy a Merry Christmas if you have to drive, don’t drink.

Now a look at some of the stories that have been happening across the region in the past seven days.

PORTIMÃO: SUSPICION AROUND MOTHER AND BABY DYING FROM HOME BIRTH

A woman died on Saturday following a home birth, after being transported to Portimão Hospital. Police later found the baby, lifeless, in a room of the house where the woman lived with her husband and two daughters.

INEM was called to assist the 42 year old woman, who was in a serious condition and ended up dying in the hospital, from severe bleeding. It was discovered that the woman was 9 months pregnant.

The hospital alerted the authorities, “and the PSP found the newborn, lifeless, hidden and wrapped in blankets at the woman’s home. Police have suspicions that the baby had been asphyxiated. Reports by Portuguese newspaper, Correio da Manhã, say that the woman hid her pregnancy because there were suspicions of an extramarital affair. Due to her large physique, no one suspected anything, even her family, friends and neighbours.

The bodies were taken to the Portimão Forensic Medical Office for autopsies, “in order to clarify exactly the causes of death”.

The victim’s husband is said to have “reported to the inspectors that he did not know about the pregnancy, and that the child was not his”.

TAVIRA: MAN ARRESTED FOR GROWING CANNABIS

After 2 months of investigations, the Tavira  GNR arrested a 59 year old man yesterday,  for growing cannabis and possession of a prohibited weapon.

The statement reads, “the Guard’s military personnel carried out a house search that culminated in the dismantling of a greenhouse, intended for the cultivation of cannabis, and the seizure of prohibited weapons”.

Several devices related to the different stages of cultivation, drying, packaging and packing of the narcotic product were found during the house search. Police seized 224 cannabis plants, 3358 doses of cannabis, five bottles of cannabidiol (CBD) oil, a tactical crossbow, two recurve bows, 27 darts, 21 arrows, two cell phones, LED lights, solar panels, extractors and fertilizers.

LAGOS: 5 YEAR OLD SUFFERS ELECTRIC SHOCK FROM MUNICIPAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Christmas lights crashed in Lagos on Saturday night, after an exposed wire gave an electric shock to a 5 year old child, in the Jardim da Constituição area.

Yesterday, Hugo Pereira, the Mayor of Lagos, clarified that “it was found that the reason for the shock was an electrical wire that was exposed and was next to the grass, but it was repaired immediately.”

The young boy was assisted by locals, and a firefighter who was in the area. Luckily, he “did not suffer serious injuries, but was taken to hospital as a precaution and for monitoring, and was discharged on Sunday morning”.

“We (the local authority services) were always in contact with the family and monitoring the child. It was an incident that, fortunately, was nothing more than a big scare,” the Mayor highlighted.According to Pereira, the lighting safety circuit breaker “should have tripped, i.e., cut off the electrical current, which did not happen”.

The mayor added that, after the accident, the company responsible for the installation was asked to “carry out a thorough inspection of all the Christmas lights installed in the city, in order to assess their safety conditions.”

Some of the people who witnessed the accident “had collected and published images on social media, with false information, that the child had suffered a cardiac arrest”, said the Mayor, “fortunately, the case did not have serious consequences for the child’s health, contrary to what was reported by onlookers.”

TAVIRA: GNR SEIZES MORE THAN 10,000 LITRES OF PETROL

On Friday, the GNR seized thousands of litres of fuel and arrested two men aged 24 and 35, and charged a third man, aged 44, with aiding drug trafficking in Santa Luzia, Tavira.

The Guard explains that, during a patrol, “a group of individuals were seen transferring fuel cans from a vehicle to a boat”. The GNR, in view of the suspicious activity, decided to establish “a security perimeter at the site” and proceed with the “mobilization of operational reinforcement”.

Upon seeing the GNR, the suspects “began to flee in a boat, but were intercepted by soldiers from the Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF) and the Intervention Detachment (DI) of Faro”, said the GNR.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 401 jerry cans of petrol, holding 10,000 litres and two light goods vehicles. The facts were referred to the Tavira Judicial Court.

LARGE AMOUNT OF WASTE PRODUCED BY TOURISTS HAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ALGARVE

The production of waste by tourists during peak season has a significant impact on the management of municipal solid waste in the Algarve, with an urgent need to define sustainable solutions, according to a study presented in Vilamoura at the end of November.

The study “The implications of tourist activity in the Algarve region for urban waste management”, which brought together researchers from five universities in Portugal and the United States, reveals the “urgent need to define sustainable solutions to address the environmental and economic impact, caused by the high tourist seasonality” in this region.

According to researcher Eduardo Cardadeiro, coordinator of the study, a tourist in the Algarve produces, on average, twice as much waste per day as a resident of the region, and the fact that there is “strong seasonality” causes an increased difficulty in managing solid waste.

“Tourism is fundamental to the Algarve’s economy, but it is necessary to ensure that its growth does not compromise the region’s sustainable development,” added the professor from the Autonomous University. According to Eduardo Cardadeiro, the study will continue to be developed, having in this first phase, among other things, characterised the relationship between tourism and waste management and analyzed the production of municipal solid waste by tourism.

“If we can better understand the impact of tourism on waste production and better manage this process, we will perhaps be in a better position to achieve targets in the waste sector, to have more sustainable management, and to promote the Algarve as a destination that sustainably manages waste, promoting the circular economy,” he said.

The study concluded that in 2023 the Algarve recorded 29 million overnight stays, of which 82% occurred in the high season, which created significant pressure on the region’s waste management services.

During the month of August, tourism was responsible for 41% of waste production, equivalent to 3.6 kilos per night, that is, more than double the per capita production of local residents. Waste production in the high season also has an economic impact, since the total cost of waste management in 2023 was 81.3 million euros, with significantly higher average costs in the high season, reaching €436 per tonne for unsorted waste, compared to €147 per tonne in the low season.

The study also reveals that, currently, more than 80% of municipal waste in the Algarve is deposited in landfills, while recycling and reuse rates are below 15%, which is below the targets set by the European Union for 2035.

The document also identified the need to implement measures to meet the targets defined by the European Union, and promote a circular economy and sustainable practices for the Algarve region.

In a second phase of the study, in 2025, a pilot project will be implemented to optimize waste management, such as dedicated collection circuits, through the involvement of regional partner entities, such as Algar, responsible for the selective collection of waste at ecopoints, the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL), tour operators, hotels and restaurants.

Environmental, social and sustainability performance indicators will also be developed, to monitor progress and adapt solutions to local needs.

Finally, in a third phase, the measures successfully tested in the pilot project will be extended to the entire Algarve region.

The study on the treatment of municipal solid waste in the Algarve was promoted by the Center for Research in Economic and Business Sciences (CICEE),in partnership with the University of Algarve and with the support of Algar.

ALGARVE AVOCADO THIEVES APPREHENDED

Four people have been detained by the GNR in Vila Nova de Cacela, district of Faro, for stealing avocados, with the authorities managing to seize more than a ton of the fruit and the vehicle which was being used in the theft. In a statement, the GNR explains that the arrest of the two men and two women took place on Sunday, following a complaint that agricultural products were being stolen. Authorities went to the scene, seizing a vehicle and more than 1,200 kilos of avocados, which were returned to the owner.

This arrest occurred at a time when Operation Campo Seguro was being carried out, whose objective was to intensify awareness, patrolling and inspection of rural and forestry properties throughout the national territory.

That’s all for this week, Stay Safe.

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 4th December 2024

by Mike Evans

A very good day to you all across the region. I am starting this report with the news that there are still a number of young people and some children who have contracted the dangerous virus Hepatitis A.

An outbreak of hepatitis A remains active in the Algarve region, with a total of 25 cases to date, with the first case reported on 15/08/2024 and the most recent on 26/11/2024”, informed the Algarve regional health delegate, after the Baixo Alentejo Public Health Unit (USP) revealed last Friday the existence of an outbreak of hepatitis A, originating in the Algarve, with six cases in the Bairro das Pedreiras, in Beja.

In the Algarve, the outbreak has predominantly affected children and young people, with 16 reported cases, and also adults (nine), including a health professional, the regional health authority added. Those affected are residents of three clusters in the municipality of Faro and one in the municipality of Olhão, “in homes with poor hygiene and health conditions, which favors the transmission of this type of disease”, explains the same source.

According to the health authority, “outside this community, but epidemiologically linked to this outbreak”, there was one case in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region, “where the child was temporarily with the family”, and six in the Alentejo region.

All identified cases were symptomatic, with fever, jaundice, acholia, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, among others.

According to the Algarve regional health delegate, an epidemiological investigation, including environmental investigation, was carried out, “which was inconclusive as to the origin of the outbreak”.

To prevent the transmission of the disease, contact identification was carried out, vaccination against hepatitis A was carried out, with 157 eligible people “accepting to be vaccinated”, and information actions were carried out for affected families. Regarding measures to prevent transmission, meetings were held with those responsible for municipalities where the outbreak remains active, also involving institutions and non-governmental organizations that provide support to more vulnerable populations.

The Algarve regional health delegate highlights “the importance of implementing measures to prevent transmission and reinforcing vaccination among individuals at greater risk of exposure” and requests, in case of suspicion, that SNS24 (808 24 24 24) be contacted for screening and advice.

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver that can cause mild to severe illness. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person . Almost everyone recovers fully from hepatitis A with lifelong immunity.

This time of year is also when the flu virus is around so make sure you are all stocked up with flu remedies or have the flu vaccination for those eligible.

Now a look at some of the stories from around the region in the past week.

1 Dead and 2 Seriously Injured in Motorway Crash

A man said to be in his 50s died and two others, aged 45 and 90, were seriously injured in a head-on collision on the Algarve’s A22 motorway this Friday afternoon (November 29).

The accident occurred at kilometer 22, between Lagoa and Portimão, as one of the vehicles involved was driving against the flow of traffic.

The crash happened shortly after 2pm, prompting authorities to close the A22 in both directions. The two victims who sustained serious injuries were taken to Portimão Hospital. It is still unclear why one of the vehicles was driving the wrong way on the motorway, a source from the Algarve’s civil protection command told Lusa news agency. There are several signposts at all entrances and exits of the motorway warning drivers to stop if they happen to enter the A22 incorrectly.

Burglar Of Luxury Homes Arrested in Loulé

GNR police arrested a 37-year-old man on November 27 for a series of burglaries targeting luxury residences in the municipality of Loulé, home to the Algarve’s famous Golden Triangle comprising Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura.

The arrest followed an 18-month investigation into thefts that targeted high-end homes in the municipality, which led to the identification and location of the suspect. Acting on this evidence, authorities executed both a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and an arrest warrant. During the operation, police seized various items believed to be linked to the burglaries, including jewelry and watches, €3,650 in cash and 50 Canadian dollars.

The suspect was due to be heard in court.

Faro promotes 1st Municipal Volunteer Meeting

The municipality of Faro celebrates International Volunteer Day on December 5th by holding the 1st Municipal Volunteer Meeting. The event will take place at the University of Algarve (Penha Campus), Pedagogical Complex – Amphitheatre 1.5, between 9am and 5pm.

The initiative is co-organized by the University of Algarve (UAlg) and the institution’s Volunteer Group, UAlg V+, and aims to “mobilize and inspire citizens to volunteer, raise awareness of the relevance of cooperation, social responsibility and volunteering, as well as the importance of exercising participatory citizenship in order to optimize available resources”.

The Faro Volunteer Platform will be presented during the event, and will be available here .

“It is intended to be a connecting instrument between people who express their availability and willingness to volunteer and entities that promote volunteering”, the local authority highlights in a statement.

For more information, contact +351 289 870 869 or email dis@cm-faro.pt .

Algarve Water Levels Still Lowest in Country

The amount of water stored in river basins was higher than average at the end of November, except in the Lima, Ave, Mira, Ribeiras do Algarve and Arade basins, according to the National Resource Information System Water. On the last day of November and in relation to the last day of the previous month, there was an increase in the volume stored in five river basins and a drop in seven, according to SNIRH.

Of the 60 monitored reservoirs, 11 had water availability greater than 80% of the total volume and 12 had availability below 40%. At the end of November, the river basin of the Barlavento Algarve continued to be the one with the least reserves at 12.6%, the same value as at the end of October. The average for the month of November in this river basin is 55.1%.

According to data from SNIRH, the Arade basin with 30.4%, Mira with 37%, Lima with 50.6% and Ave with 58.8%, are those that retain the least water.

Police to Clamp Down on Speeding Drivers In Run Up to Christmas

The National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), the PSP and the GNR have begun the “Travel Without Hurry” road campaign, in a bid to alert drivers to the dangers of excesses on the roads, especially of speedThe campaign takes place from December 3rd to 9th and is part of the 2024 National Inspection Plan.

The objective of the campaign is “to warn drivers about the risks of driving at high speed, considering that this is one of the main causes of accidents on the roads and is responsible for around 60% of registered infractions”.. These entities highlight, in this regard, that “the probability of fatalities increases depending on the speed at which vehicles travel”.

They give as an example a case of being run over, in which if a vehicle travels at 30 km/h, the probability of the consequences being fatal is 10%, but increasing the speed to 50 km/h, the probability becomes 90%.

ANSR, GNR and PSP remember “speed is the main cause of a third of all fatal accidents” and that the faster you drive, the less time drivers have to immobilize the vehicle when something unexpected happens.

Until the next time Stay Safe

 

The Algarve Situation Report 27th November 2024

by Mike Evans

Good day to you all, The “Portugal Semper Seguro” campaign, which we highlighted last week continues across the country and in the past week, with the aim of “promoting the reinforcement of the feeling of security and the reduction of general crime rates in the municipality of Albufeira”, stated the Territorial Command of the GNR of Faro in a statement .

According to the police, three commercial establishments and 45 foreign citizens were inspected, and the operation resulted in the arrest of four people for driving under the influence of alcohol, and one for drug trafficking and the seizure of 224 doses of hashish.

17 traffic offences were also filed, five for drug consumption, five for violations of labour and social security legislation and three for general police purposes, the GNR specified. The operation involved a total of 39 officers from the criminal investigation, borders, intervention and traffic areas.

The “Portugal Semper Seguro” campaign, which has been taking place across the country, aims to “increase citizens’ sense of security”, through joint actions involving security forces and State agencies. The initiative, under the coordination of the Internal Security System (SIS), includes the GNR, PSP, Judicial Police, Authority for Working Conditions, Social Security, Tax Authority, Food and Economic Security Authority and the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum.

As we run up to Christmas the authorities will be extra vigil across the region looking out for drivers who think it is ok to drink and drive.

Now a look at some of the other stories from across the region.

GNR Arrested 59 People Last Week in the Region

The GNR’s Faro Territorial Command arrested 59 people between November 18 and 24, as part of its operational activity, such as preventing and combating violent crime or road inspections, the corporation announced.

Among those arrested, 23 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, 12 for driving without a legal license and one for drug trafficking, the GNR said in a statement.

During the same period, four bales of hashish, weighing a total of 135.4 kilograms, 106 doses of cocaine, three mobile phones, three balaclavas (hoods that cover the face) and a precision scale were seized, the security force quantified.

In terms of traffic, 635 infractions were detected, of which 69 were due to deficiencies in lighting and signage, 62 due to lack of inspection, 34 due to improper use of a mobile phone, 14 due to speeding, 12 due to lack of insurance and eight due to lack of or incorrect use of a seat belt or child restraint system, the GNR also reported, highlighting that one serious injury and 20 minor injuries were recorded during this period.

Warehouse Fire in Boliqueime injures One Person

The fire that broke out on Monday, the 25th, in the early evening in a warehouse in Vale Covo, in the parish of Boliqueime , in the municipality of Loulé, was controlled at 8:45 pm, having caused one minor injury and one displaced person, said a source from Civil Protection.

The alert for the incident in the town of Vale Covo was given at 6:52 pm. The fire reached a warehouse containing hardware and hotel and restaurant equipment, explained a source from the Algarve Sub-regional Command. The fire also spread to a house next to the warehouse, which partially burned down, he added. The owner of the property will stay with relatives, explained the Civil Protection source.

The fire also resulted in a minor injury, a 70-year-old man, who fell and was taken to a hospital.

Elements of the Loulé, Albufeira and Messines Fire Departments, as well as elements of the GNR , were deployed to combat the incident.

Tavira Joins Campaign Against Gender Violence

The municipality of Tavira has joined the “Orange the World” campaign or “16 days of activism against gender-based violence” by Soroptimist International União de Portugal, an NGO based in Tavira.

Between November 25th and December 10th, the Town Hall building will be lit up in orange with the aim of raising awareness among the population about the issue of gender-based violence.

Soroptimist International develops and executes projects in the areas of “education, economic empowerment, health, food security and sustainability”, as well as initiatives against violence against women and girls, responding to goals no. 3 and no. 4 of the United Nations sustainable development . The projects are carried out in collaboration with partner entities (NGOs, local authorities, companies, IPSS), government, policy makers and other institutions that include the “development and management of shelters, where victims of violence are supported with appropriate monitoring and advice”.

Soroptimists work “for women” to: educate for leadership; empower women to achieve equal economic opportunities and financial autonomy; eliminate gender-based violence; promote access to health care and better living conditions; and improve the environment and promote sustainability.

Car found abandoned was Transporting Hashish

The GNR seized 135 kilograms of hashish in a vehicle that was abandoned in Almodôvar, in the district of Beja, which fled after raising suspicions in Castro Marim , the corporation revealed on Saturday, the 23rd.

In the early hours of the morning, an off-duty GNR officer alerted a vehicle that was driving in a “suspicious and irregular” manner on Motorway 22 (A22), in Castro Marim, and a “police device was set up with the aim of intercepting the car”, the GNR explained in a statement.

“The driver, upon realizing that the military had attempted to approach him, fled towards Motorway 2 (A2),” the security force said. The escaped vehicle ended up being “found abandoned by the Guard’s military personnel, in the town of Gomes Aires – Almodôvar”, with “four bales of hashish, totaling 135.4 kilograms, enough for more than 270 thousand individual doses”, the GNR specified.

Faro with 2nd Highest Violent Crimes against Women in 2023

The districts with the most women victims of violent crimes in 2022 and 2023 are Lisbon, with 5,327 cases, Faro with 4,060 victims and Porto with 3,270, according to data from the Victim Support Association ( APAV ).

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is celebrated this Monday, APAV reported that the district of residence of the majority of female victims in Portugal is Lisbon, with 5,327 women registered, that is, 22.4% of the total number of victims recorded in 2022 and 2023.

In second place is the district of Faro with 4,060 (17.1%) and in third is the district of Porto with 3,270 (13.7%). The districts with the fewest female victims are Guarda (65), followed by Bragança (75) and Beja (91). Other districts with APAV records are Braga (2,254), Setúbal (1,710), Coimbra (807), Santarém (744), Vila Real (724) and Aveiro (533). The perpetrator of crimes of violence against these victims is in more than half of the cases (68.5%) male and is between 36 and 55 years old (21.2%).

Almost half of the aggressors (47.3%) have an intimate relationship with the victim, and in some cases they are the victim’s own parents (7.6%) or child. Half of the crimes of violence recorded between 2022 and 2023 against women occurred in their shared residence (50.8%).

In 2022 and 2023, of the total of 23,808 female victims that came to the attention of APAV, 49.8% (11,868) were the target of “continued victimization”.Between 2022 and 2023, and of the total of 11,868 female victims who were the target of continued victimization, in 28.1% (3,339), the victimization had already lasted between two and six years.

Algarve Food Bank Starts another Campaign

The Algarve Food Bank is preparing to carry out another solidarity food collection campaign on November 30th and December 1st.

Those interested in participating as volunteers can register here at this website , https://registo.appia-ipss.pt/ registration is mandatory and must be repeated for each campaign.

Nuno Cabrita Alves, president of the Algarve Food Bank, recalls that “this campaign is essential to support thousands of families”. He also says that “everyone’s help in this cause is important”.

Volunteers are “essential” in any of the 140 stores spread across all the municipalities in the region. Nuno Cabrita Alves explains that “it is necessary to distribute bags and receive food donations”. In the warehouses in Faro and Portimão, “help is important to unload and separate food, fold bags, among other tasks”, he adds. Help can be provided in stores with food or vouchers, but also at www.alimentestaideia.pt with food donations or through financial support .

“All companies in the food chain, including producers, industry and distributors, can deliver their surpluses,” the Association said in a statement.

In May 2024, in the last solidarity campaign of the Algarve Food Bank, 112.35 tons of food were collected, which reached, via institutions, almost 20 thousand people in need in the region.

And to end on a good note we must congratulate all those who helped clean up the beach at Vale do Lobo. The local community and visitors carried out a beach cleaning action last Thursday on Vale do Lobo beaches, resulting in the collection of 143.80 kilos of rubbish, as part of the celebrations of National Sea Day. Infralobo EM and Vale do Lobo, in collaboration with the Vita Nativa Association collaborated to organise the event, highlighting the value of collaboration between public and private entities and the local community, to protect one of the most beautiful natural ecosystems in the Algarve.

The event was attended by 125 students from the Almancil School Group, aged between 14 and 16, who joined forces with residents, visitors and collaborators to clean the beaches of Garrão Nascente and Garrão Poente. Throughout the morning, participants had the opportunity to explore the approximately three kilometre stretch of these beaches, collect waste and learn more about the importance of protecting the environment.

The Vita Nativa Association played an important role in this initiative, providing guidance, sharing educational curiosities and raising awareness of sustainable environmental conservation practices.

Vale do Lobo and Infralobo express “their deep gratitude to all those involved for the dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated during this important initiative, and reaffirm their continued commitment to sustainability, environmental care and active community involvement towards a more sustainable future”.

Until the next time Stay Safe