Algarve crime round-up: theft, rape and the Lone Gunman of Albufeira

gnr3The GNR in Vila Real de Santo António have detained a 51-year-old man on suspicion of burglary at a residence in Monte Gordo.

Out on patrol, the GNR officers approached and arrested the individual, a well known local drug supplier and user who habitually steals from properties to boost his personal cash-flow in pursuance of a lifestyle of feckless irresponsibility.

He was found to be carrying a gold chain, rosary necklace and bracelet plus a silver ring and €100 in notes - all pinched.

The suspect has been charged and allowed out and about while waiting for his day in court.

The stolen items have been returned to their owner.

The Judicial Police detained a man for the rape of a 75-year-old woman in Almancil on Sunday.
 
The accused, "in a conversation about the failure of a water pump, entered the victim’s house, a woman of 75, and forced her to have sex with him," according to a police statement on the distressing matter.

The 26-year-old man from Guinea was renting an annex from the Briton, returned home and knocked on the woman's door saying the water pump was broken. He then entered the home and raped the woman. She later managed to escape and fled to the street where passers by called the police.

Over in Albufeira, a masked gunman has been causing concern to local business owners who variously have been targeted in a series of cash robberies since mid-December last year.

The man, who keeps his hoodie up and face covered while pointing a gun at staff, has raided food outlets and shops, escaping with several hundred euros each time.  

The police have been unable to respond fast enough to catch him at any of his targeted outlets and CCTV images have proved useless.

If he continues, the man may get shot as waving gun around, whether loaded or not and whether a replica or real firearm, is likely not to be up for question should a police patrol catch up with the Lone Gunman of Albufeira.