Portugal is still considered one of the safest countries in Europe, both according to official statistics and the main international safety indices. However, the recent evolution of crime shows a more complex reality: while general crime remains relatively stable, some specific phenomena—such as cybercrime, sexual offences, or juvenile delinquency—have increased and cause concern among authorities and the public.

According to the Annual Internal Security Report (RASI), during 2024 Portugal recorded an overall decrease in crime of 4.6%, with 354,878 reports, but violent and serious crimes increased by 2.6%. This apparent contradiction confirms a trend observed in other European countries: traditional crime is decreasing, but forms of criminality with a greater social and media impact are on the rise.

Thefts remain the most common crime, especially in large urban areas and tourist spots such as Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve. At the same time, a significant increase in vehicle thefts, commercial robberies, and scams related to housing rentals and digital platforms has been detected.

One of the points that concerns the Portuguese security forces the most is the increase in sexual crimes. The number of reported rapes in 2024 increased by nearly 10% compared to the previous year, reaching the highest value of the last decade. Although the authorities attribute part of this increase to a greater willingness of victims to report, the phenomenon also reflects a growing social pressure on prevention and protection mechanisms.

Juvenile crime is another highlighted element. The 2024 RASI recorded more than 2,000 cases linked to minors aged between 12 and 16 years, with an increase of over 12%. Incidents in school environments and episodes of group violence also increased, especially in metropolitan areas. This phenomenon has opened a political and social debate about integration, social exclusion, and the preventive capacity of the educational system.

On the other hand, some structural indicators remain positive. Homicides remain at low levels compared to the European average, with rates below 1 homicide per 100,000 inhabitants. Similarly, domestic violence has decreased for three consecutive years according to official data, although it continues to account for one of the most reported crimes in the country.

Cybercrime is probably the challenge with the most future potential. Digital scams, phishing, identity theft, and cyberattacks have steadily increased following the pandemic. This evolution compels the Portuguese police forces to strengthen technological units and invest in digital intelligence and international cooperation.

Another relevant aspect is the citizens’ perception of insecurity. Various social and political debates in Portugal show a gap between objective data and public perception. There is a growing concern on social media and digital forums regarding immigration, radicalization, and the presence of violent groups, although official statistics do not indicate a widespread deterioration of security.

The Portuguese authorities insist that the country «remains globally safe», but they acknowledge that there are indicators that require constant monitoring and adaptation. In this context, Portugal faces a scenario similar to that of other European societies: less conventional crime, but greater complexity in the threats linked to the digital world, social cohesion, and urban security.

For the private security sector and citizen protection, this evolution implies new needs: greater technological specialization, preventive analysis capacity, and coordination among law enforcement agencies, administrations, and security companies. The security of the future in Portugal will depend both on police response and on the ability to anticipate increasingly hybrid and changing risks.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français