The Algarve has recorded the highest number of residential burglaries in all of Portugal this year, as the National Republican Guard (GNR) urged homeowners to take extra precautions when leaving their properties over the summer holidays.
The GNR said it had recorded more than 2,300 burglaries from homes so far this year and warned that the summer holiday period, when many properties are occupied by tourists bringing valuables, and others left temporarily unoccupied, presents increased opportunities for criminals.
In a statement, the security force said it had been monitoring the crime trend closely, noting a slight decline in recent years.
According to the GNR, a total of 6,469 residential burglaries – including both break-ins and thefts without forced entry, were recorded in 2024, falling to 6,275 in 2025. By 31 May this year, 2,344 cases had already been reported.
Police have arrested 54 suspects so far in 2026, compared with 129 in 2024 and 132 in 2025.
The districts with the highest number of reported burglaries this year are Faro (371), Porto (255), Lisbon (216), Setúbal (205) and Leiria (183).
The GNR is advising residents to ensure that all doors, windows, gates, garages and outbuildings are securely locked before leaving. Homeowners are also urged to avoid obvious signs that a property is empty, such as accumulated post, permanently closed shutters, or switched-off exterior lighting.
The police further recommend against sharing detailed travel plans or holiday dates on social media, storing valuables in a secure location whilst keeping records of serial numbers and receipts, using timer-controlled lighting to give the impression that someone is at home, and installing alarm systems and CCTV wherever possible.
Source: GNR
Photo credit: Archive image
