Safe Communities Algarve (SCA) was launched in October 2011. Its aim is to promote safe communities, enhance security awareness and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. In November 2012 it was registered as Associação Safe Communities Algarve becoming Portugal’s first non-profit crime prevention association.
In 2014 it was renamed Associação SCP, Safe Communities Portugal (SCP), to reflect its expanding work outside the Algarve. SCA relies solely at present on donations from individuals and businesses and is run by a board of five persons who receive no remuneration for the free services provided. They have advisors with expertise in various fields including cyber security to public administration.
SCA has signed protocols at Algarve regional level with the GNR, PSP, SEF and the ANPC. It is now ready to sign protocols at national level with the GNR and PSP in the name of SCP. Safe Communities Portugal will officially be launched at the British Embassy with the signing of the protocols with the GNR and PSP.
When: Wednesday, 14 January 2015, 15h30
Where: British Embassy, Rua de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082, Lisboa
Please let us know by email (pedro.silva@fco.gov.uk) if you are interested in attending this event.
Since 2012 SCA has held around 30 public seminars and displays bringing together different government entities such as the GNR, PSP, PJ, ANPC, SEF, British vice Consulate (BvC) in Portimão, Turismo do Algarve and municipalities. Subjects have included; crime prevention, wildfire prevention, environmental protection and cybercrime. Average attendance 65 pax. We also work closely with officials at the British Embassy in Lisbon and have regular meetings with police commanders at various levels.
SCA has over 70 downloads of crime prevention advice, mainly in English, on its website, plus it provides a diverse and comprehensive range of services, ranging from its fortnightly newsletter, a radio feature on Kiss FM, online crime reporting in English etc, etc. as can be seen from its website www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com.
Further background
Communication is through SCA’s website; newsletter; radio feature; Facebook; and media press releases. In October the website recorded nearly 170,000 hits and an average of 255 visitors and 1250 pages viewed per day. In terms of Google.pt ranking; under the key words “crime prevention Portugal” SCA is 2nd out of 735,000 results. We have had approx. 140 media articles, 11 press features, and 25 newsletter (to up to 850 subscribers) so far this year.
Enquiries - In 2014 SCA handled over 400 enquiries ranging from: reporting crime to police; criminal activities; missing persons; police procedure; GNR Safe Residence Program; legal issues; police traffic enforcement matters; cybercrime; public safety. This are either dealt with by SCA or referred to the appropriate authorities including the BvC.
Projects initiated by SCA include: crime prevention stickers in hire cars (supported by British vice consulate); anti-gambling leaflet for visitors and residents in English in conjunction with SG MAI and Turismo de Portugal; anti-pickpocketing campaign in conjunction with PSP Lisbon; a wildfire prevention campaign with ANPC; public reporting at GNR stations (ongoing); local lodging compliance (ASSAE, GNR, SEF and others – ongoing).
Outcomes – Since its inception anecdotal evidence is that the foreign community understand more about the work of the police, the community are more engaged with the police, crime prevention awareness and compliance has improved and the fear of crime has decreased.
David Thomas
President Associação SCP Safe Communities Portugal
