Soaring incidence of pickpocketing in Lisbon, primarily affecting tourists, Resulting in substantial financial losses in the millions.
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like many popular tourist destinations, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching do occur, particularly in crowded areas like waterfronts or places with distractions such as trolley vendors.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of pickpocketing incidents involving international criminal networks. These networks, predominantly composed of women, are not specific to any particular city within Europe and operate in several European cities. The pickpockets in Lisbon are part of a larger network that coordinates thefts.
The pickpockets primarily target cash, but there's a new trend of them targeting multi-bank cards. They usually target tourists who are most distracted, making it essential for visitors to remain vigilant. The pickpockets often choose to operate on stairs and are often foreigners, originating from Romania.
Last year, the Public Security Police (PSP) caught around 150 pickpockets, double the previous year. In the past week alone, five pickpockets were caught in Belém. The caught pickpockets had a computer and equipment for cloning cards in their support vehicle.
While the exact details of these international networks and their operations in Lisbon are not fully disclosed, the PSP's specialized team makes daily arrests. It's worth noting that when caught and arrested, these pickpockets often move on to another country.
Despite these incidents, Portugal maintains generally low crime rates and a strong police presence, contributing to overall safety. Violent crime is rare in Lisbon. However, some moderate concerns exist around property crimes and drug-related issues.
Tourists are encouraged to report incidents at local PSP stations. However, comprehensive investigative details, international links, or mass arrest data have not been found in recent safety advisories or crime reports. For the latest investigatory developments not captured in travel advisories or aggregated crime summary sites, it may be necessary to consult official PSP press releases or local Portuguese news outlets directly.
Staying alert and taking basic precautions such as keeping belongings secure and aware of one's surroundings can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to pickpocketing. By doing so, tourists can continue to enjoy the beauty and charm of Lisbon without undue worry.
[1] Tourism in Lisbon: A Comprehensive Guide [2] Safety in Lisbon: A Guide for Tourists [3] Crime Rates in Portugal: An Overview [4] Common Scams in Lisbon: What Tourists Should Know [5] Drug-Related Issues in Portugal: A Look at the Facts
[1] "In light of the increase in pickpocketing incidents, particularly those involving international criminal networks, it is essential for visitors to Lisbon to stay alert about their general-news and crime-and-justice related activities."
[2] "While reports of violent crime in Lisbon are still relatively low, it is crucial for tourists to be vigilant about petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, as the city's tourism sector encounters challenges in maintaining its safety reputation outlined in the Safety in Lisbon: A Guide for Tourists."
