The number of crimes in the Algarve to October 31st this year has increased by 4% over last year, a rise that the Public Security Police commander says can be explained by the greater number of visitors to the region.
Superintendent Ricardo Matos added that "There have been 120 more criminal cases registered in the first 300 days in the six cities where we are located. It is a slight increase and it is not worrying."
The PSP covers Lagos, Portimão, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António, and also has a unit at Faro Airport.
In Portimão, for example, four squadrons operate: one with responsibility for public safety and security, a second one deals with violent situations, a third for the control of traffic and the last for the investigation of crimes. About 180 people work in these four squads and support services.
According to Matos, the crime rise is due to the sheer number of tourists and does not require the implementation of new measures or strategies.
"The number of violent and serious crimes that occur in the Algarve is less than 6% of the total number of crime recorded in the region," with the increase being less than 50 cases so far this year.
