Portugal´s only registered non-profit crime prevention association providing dedicated information and support services to the community

26  February 2016

Welcome 

There is a wide range of news in this latest newsletter reflecting a number of important issues concerning security issues.

A number of these are strategic items concerning action being taken by Europol and its member countries (including Portugal) in facing the greatest challenges we face: namely cybercrime, terrorism and migration.

Although Portugal is consider low risk concerning a terrorist attack; and has so far escaped being a significant refuge for migration, this does not mean that government is letting it's guard down concerning these issues. On the contrary, working with other countries and with Interpol, Europol and Frontext, there is in my view excellent co-operation with the aim of maintaining Portugal as one of the safest countries in the world to live and visit.

In so far as Cybercrime is concerned, we have seen some some excellent examples of enforcement action being taken and moves by the various law enforcement agencies here to work more closely with all entities, including those in the private sector to deal more effectively with this challenge. Indeed Safe Communities Portugal, is recognized in doing its own part in helping to create greater awareness, through newsletters such as this and through various seminars on this subject.

Much of our "awareness" efforts and the sharing of information which we provide are through our two websites:  www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com created in 2011 and " www.safecommunitiesportugal.com" created 10 months ago. Our next phase of development of the latter has now started, and we are busily engaged with the PSP, GNR, ANPC, Judicial Police and SEF in this project. I hope to be able to announce more details shortly.

We are now planning three more seminars in the Algarve and more information is in this newsletter.

I would like to thank Currencies Direct for sponsoring this edition of our newsletter. If you would like to sponsor a newsletter, with the most comprehensive and diverse information concerning public safety, security and crime prevention news available in Portugal, please contact me on [email protected] for details.

If you would like to share your experiences concerning crime prevention or public safety or are in an industry perhaps where you have a good practice you would like to share with others please let us know through our contacts page. We are very pleased to publish contributions to this newsletter.

David Thomas
President
Safe Communities Portugal
Headlines

European Migrant Smuggling Centre created

On 22nd February Europol launched the new European Migrant Smuggling Centre (EMSC). The goal of the Centre is to proactively support EU Member States in dismantling criminal networks involved in organised migrant smuggling. The Centre will focus on geographical criminal hotspots, and will build a better capability across the European Union to fight people smuggling networks.

Dimitris Avramopoulos, EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, said: "The fight against migrant smuggling is a key priority for the European Union in addressing the refugee crisis. In order to step up and coordinate efforts across Member States, the European Commission announced the creation of a European Migrant Smuggling Centre with Europol in its European Agenda on Migration. The launch of this Centre will reinforce cooperation with Member States, international organisations, national stakeholders and European agencies, with a responsibility to fight migrant smuggling."

Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol; said: "Europol's research indicates 90% of migrants arriving in Europe have their journey facilitated by a criminal organisation. Tackling this huge people smuggling trade, therefore, has become an essential part of the EU's response to the migrant crisis. 

The European Migrant Smuggling Centre will provide the necessary platform by which Member States can improve their exchange of information and operational coordination in the fight against organised migrant smuggling."

The European Migrant Smuggling Centre will be led by Robert Crepinko  who said: "The EMSC will play a decisive role in proactively supporting Member States to target and dismantle organised crime networks involved in migrant smuggling. Acting as an information hub, this Centre will support the EU Regional Task Force and the work of other partner agencies."
Director of Europol: EU exit will weaken UK's ability to fight terror

Police would find it harder to prevent militant attacks and fight organised crime if Britain votes to leave the European Union, the head of the EU-wide police body has said.

Europol director Rob Wainwright said on Monday 22nd February that Britain's ability to share intelligence would need to be replaced.

Mr Wainwright said: "If you take that infrastructure that (the British police) have helped to design over the past 40 years, it would make the United Kingdom's job harder to protect citizens from terror."

Mr Wainwright said Britain was already free to impose tougher border controls as a non-member of the passport-free Schengen zone.

He accepted Britain "could choose different immigration and visa policies" upon leaving the EU but said the country would remain vulnerable to "clandestine criminal networks smuggling people" if it was in or out.

Speaking at the launch of a new center to fight migrant smuggling, Wainwright said that the British have helped mould cooperation among police forces in the 28-nation bloc, "because it's the unanimous opinion of the British police services that they need that level of engagement.

Comment

"Safety and security" is one of the main factors that have raised concerning whether Britain should remain or leave the EU. From time to time as information becomes available, we will publish, information in the lead up to the EU Referendum on 23rd June 2016, from experts in this field in order that those who maybe affected by the decision, can be more fully aware of the issues involved.  
Director of Europol states up to 5,000 Europeans have returned to the continent after being trained at terrorist camps.

Director of Europol states up to 5,000 Europeans have returned to the continent after being trained at terrorist camps.

"Europe is currently facing the highest terror threat in more than in a decade," Rob Wainwright, Europol's director told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung daily, warning of the real possibility of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) or other terror groups attacks in Europe.  

"We can expect [IS] or other religious terror groups to stage an attack somewhere in Europe with the aim of achieving mass casualties among the civilian population," he said, noting that the risk of attacks by individuals has also not diminished.

The head of the EU law enforcement agency said: "The growing number of foreign fighters presents the EU countries with completely new challenges."

At least 700 people from the UK have travelled to support or fight for jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq, according to police, and about half have since returned.

Mr Wainwright's comments to Germany's Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper come after November's Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed.

He claimed 3,000-5,000 Europeans had returned from terror training, and said further attacks in Europe were expected, with more civilian casualties.

He said: "It is expected that IS or other religious terrorist groups will carry out an attack somewhere in Europe, with the aim of achieving high losses among the civilian population."
He added that not only groups of militants, but also individuals could be expected to carry out strikes. However he told the German newspaper: "There is no concrete evidence that terrorists are systematically using the flow of refugees to arrive undetected in Europe."

Notable Arrests

Portugal - Europe's largest seizure of fraudulent importation of tobacco leaf

On January 26th, 2016, the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), through the Fiscal Action Unit and the Tax and Customs Authority, under coordination of the Central Department of Investigation and Prosecution, executed 41 search warrants (26 in-house and 15 others), in several economic operators in the regions of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Fundão, Castelo Branco, Leiria, Lisbon and Ponte de Sor, on suspicion of the crimes of fraudulent smuggling in tobacco consumption.

As a result of the searches, the following items were seized:
  • More than 182 tons of tobacco leaf and ground tobacco; sufficient quantity to produce more than 364 million cigarettes;
  • 4,800 packs of cigarettes without excise stamps affixed, several hundreds of thousands of tubes (filters and smoking paper ready to be filled with tobacco);
  • 611,526 euros in cash;
  • Three illegal firearms, precision scales and several industrial milling accessories, in addition to other documents and computer storage devices supporting the development of the aforementioned activities.
This seizure, considered the largest held to date in Europe, constitutes an evasion of tax payments owed to the State amounting to more than 30 million euros in excise duty.
In the course of the operation, 12 Portuguese and foreigners were formally accused, as well as six companies they represented.

The parallel and illicit criminal activity was carried out by national and Spanish operators that were involved in tobacco production and processing.
Judicial Police detain two persons for on-line banking fraud.

The Judicial Police, through the Lisbon District and Tagus Valley have conducted a police operation of an international dimension aimed at the dismantling of a criminal organization that was conducting computer fraud crimes, unlawful access and money laundering. 

During the operation, four women were arrested, aged between 22 and 27 years old, who were operating continuously in conjunction with a significant number as the other defendants, each collaborating with one another to unlawfully seize monetary amounts of third parties through the misuse of "on-line banking", one act being that of "phishing.

The resulting amounts involved  amount to hundreds of thousands of euros.  With the research carried out, it was possible to identify and determine the role of leaders, recruiters and so-called "money mules," who were part of the scam.

The Judicial Police warns that, despite technological protections existing for the "on-line banking", it is up to users to act to complement the security procedures in place, including: 
  • Pay attention to "fraud alerts" frequently disclosed by banks in their own websites.
     
  • Do not enter on the internet pages, the digits for the so-called "matrix card".
     
  • Do not assign the use of bank accounts to facilitate the receipt of monies handled illegally, or whose provenance is not certain to be legitimate, which constitutes a crime punishable by imprisonment.
     
  • Refuse job offers of alleged foreign companies seeking you in Portugal to become a "commercial agent", whose function will be to earn a percentage of the monies received in your bank account, with the condition after the transfer to South American countries, or eastern countries.
The detainees were present at the first judicial interrogation, for the application of appropriate procedural coercion measures. The Judicial Police are continuing the investigation in order to ascertain the nature and extent of criminal connections of this group, while continuing to monitor specific instances of similar crimes.

Loulé -  Illegal nursing home closed in joint GNR - Social Services Operation

During the morning of 17th February 2016, members of the National Republican Guard (GNR), in coordination with Social Security Faro, inspected a house in Cruz da Assumada - Loulé, as they suspected it was being used illegally as a nursing home.

An investigation was carried out by the Research and Specific Support Victims unit (NAIVE) GNR of Faro and the Public Prosecutor's Unit DIAP - Loulé, based on a complaint of mistreatment of elderly people at the property concerned, which reportedly had no proper permits and licensing to operate as a nursing home.

After coordination between the various entities involved a visit was made to the property where they found 13 elderly people (11 men and 2 women), between the ages of 69 and 87 housed in very poor conditions and sharing the facilities with 24 dogs.

An assessment was made by Social Security officials, which resulted in the immediate closure of the home, with nine of the Elderly been institutionalized in other areas, while the remaining four were reunited with family members.

A Portuguese citizen aged 43 years has been identified as running the home.

Apart from NAÏVE others taking part in operation were, the Special Programs Unit of GNR Loulé and Environmental Protection Team (SEPNA)  GNR Loulé.

Pombal - Eleven arrested for pimping and drug trafficking

Eleven people were arrested on 20th February by the GNR, in the area of Pombal, Leiria district, on suspicion of pimping crimes and drug trafficking.

The operation, involved the execution of 14 search warrants and five detention warrants involving Portuguese and Brazilian nationals. According to the source of the GNR, three guns and ammunition; an unspecified amount of various drugs; a vehicle; nine digital scale; 15 mobile phones and various objects related to conducting sexual acts, and 2,400 Euros in cash, were also seized.

Of the arrested, eight appeared in court on Monday and the other three released and told to report to the authorities.

PSP Cascais holds suspects of trafficking in 25 April bridge

On 14th February at around 1400 hrs, the Metropolitan Lisbon PSP command, through the police division of Cascais, with the collaboration of the division of criminal investigation and division of transit, arrested a man and woman aged 23 and 25 years of age respectively, suspected of drug trafficking.

Following the collection and analysis of information related to criminal activity, surveillance was conducted and a vehicle suspected to be carrying drugs from the south of the country, was intercepted at the south entrance of the 25th  April Bridge.

On carrying out a search of the vehicle 133,100 doses of product narcotic drug suspect to be hashish was discovered and seized.

The Detainees appeared in the judicial court of Almada, with an application for remand and the woman to report to police on a weekly basis.


Quarteira - Auditor arrested for aggravated fraud, embezzlement and document forgery

Reported 26th February - A Technical Auditor (TOC), with offices in the area of Quarteira, Loulé municipality has been arrested by judicial police on suspicion of misappropriating about 300 thousand euros of customers money.

The woman, aged 59 years, forged documents to request the victims money which she then used herself. According to the South Board PJ, who yesterday announced the arrest, the TOC "falsified printed Finance documents showing amounts of taxes allegedly owed by its customers, "and asked them to make payment. "Subsequently, the defendant pocketed the respective differential or all of the delivered money," further explains the Judicial Police. 

The woman, who had opened the office since 2012, is now accused of embezzlement, aggravated fraud and document forgery.

Forthcoming events

Three new seminars planned

Given the success of the last two seminars with 240 people in attendance, we are pleased to announce that Safe Communities Algarve will be holding three more seminars from March to May 2016 as follows:
  • Forest fire and safe residence program seminar in Monchique
  • Second Animal Cruelty Prevention Seminar in the Western Algarve, and
  • Cybercrime seminar in the Algarve similar to the one we just held in Cascais.

Full details in our next newsletter.

Concert at the Ginásio  Clube de Faro Saturday, February 27 at 21:30 

Bass-baritone Francisco Brazão and pianist Cristina Silva will present an evening of entertainment that is not to be missed.  The program will include Schumann's "Dichterliebe" in its entirety as well as pieces by Fauré, Debussy and Ravel.  A third element will be added by dancer Nicole Lissy as she brings the songs to life, translating the music and poetry though movement.  
 
The Ginásio Clube de Faro is located in downtown Faro at 12 Rua Ivens, second floor above Novo Banco. Tickets are 3€ for members and 5€ for non-members and will be sold at the door. Doors open at 21:00. Bar on premises.
 


Local News

Portugal - Reports of Dating Violence Increase by 8%

Complaints to the PSP related to dating violence increased by almost eight percent in 2015. During the year a total of 1,680 reports were made, according to Lusa new agency.
In a response the PSP confirmed the figure which was 130 more than in 2014.

Of the 1,680 complaints, 963 were made by ex-boyfriends and 717 by existing boyfriends, says the PSP, noting that the majority of incidents (76.9%) were reported by the victims themselves.
About 23% of complaints were made by other students. 

The PSP highlights that complaints related to dating violence have been increasing year on year, as there has been a 32 percent increase in 2014 compared to 2013.

They also indicate that 85% of cases are related to psychological and emotional violence and 74% involved physical violence

PSP detain 18 people in private security operation 

The PSP announced Monday the arrest of 18 people and the seizure of 22 weapons during a surveillance operation of private security activity in shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
 In a statement, the Public Security Police said that the arrests, seven as a result of arrest warrants, one for drug trafficking and for disobedience, occurred during "operation Mercury" held between 07:00 Friday19th February and 07:00 the following day.

The operation was aimed at private security supervision at commercial and catering establishments. In total, 592 police officers conducted 411 enforcement actions, 132 of them in catering and drinking establishments and 143 in shopping centres. In addition to the 18 arrested and 22 weapons seized, PSP detected 71 offenses, including:
  • infringement of operating times (two); lack of complaints book (three);
  • lack of use of license (one);
  • selling alcohol to under-16s (one);
  • not having a visible identification card (six);
  • irregularities of video systems to control entry and leaving to establishments (six);
  • unauthorized use of insignia or uniform (three) and
  • lack of vigilant in controlling access (one).
The PSP also states that the "special focus "of the operation of private security activity was" inspecting the companies holding licenses, those who license and permit either training or consulting " and to investigate all criminal offences reported in this area, including illegal possession of weapons and irregularities regarding the authenticity and ownership of vigilante cards issued by the police.

Abandoned backpack sparks security scare 

On Monday 22nd February an abandoned backpack was found at the Sete Rios railway station in Lisbon.

Several PSP agents, Lisbon Bombeiros and members of the Explosives Safety and inactivation Center attended the scene.

After checking the bag it was verified that there was no danger. 

Quarteira - GNR  arrest person for theft after a vehicle chase

On February 18th GNR Loulé detained a Portuguese citizen aged 32 years, residing in Quarteira, indicted for the crime of theft of property.

At about 5:00 a.m., after a report of a theft at a business establishment located in the municipality of Albufeira, GNR patrols acting on information received concerning the description of the vehicle involved, found it a few minutes later when it was driving through  Quarteira.

After locating the vehicle and while attempting to intercept it the driver realising the presence of security forces drove aggressively and dangerously to evade police action, even with the lights off, coming to a halt after ramming a GNR vehicle with three occupants  whom suffered minor injuries.

The vehicle occupant was then apprehended. Inside the vehicle the GNR found items associated with the theft committed in the municipality of Albufeira.

Who Rescues Injured Animals - Especially at night time?

The following article appeared recently in the Correio da Manha: 

"Night was falling, rainy and cold on Saturday, February 13th. A dog with both fractured front legs lay in pain on the grass of the small public garden of Praia da Rocha, behind the Hotel Jupiter. 

The situation caught the attention of some passers by saddened by the plight of the animal.  When someone tried to approach for help, the dog struggle to its feet and tried to run before falling down. Two PSP agents Adelino Cunha and Aleixo Gouveia, together with Diamantino Duarte of 'Shop Katie ", and Maria Manuela Liza, volunteer' Cadala Carlota and Companhia protection association, attended the scene.

The relief efforts took more than three hours. The black and white, mongrel, medium size, had no collar and no one knew the owner. Could he had been abandoned or lost? If he had a chip it would allow him to be identified.  If it was urgent, a veterinarian could have been called or the animal taken to a clinic to be watched.

However, what seems like a simple task entails costs and risks. A dog when approached by strangers, can react and bite. There is a danger of rabies infection if the animal has not vaccines on time.

The patrol PSP tried to contact the municipal vet in the area but it was out of office hours - no answer. They contacted several private veterinary clinics, but none were willing to attend the scene. The only available help was receiving the injured dog in exchange for payment due.

Read more and the outcome here

Portimão - Escaped prisoner captured

On Tuesday 16th February, the Police Criminal Investigation Division of PSP Portimão captured a Portuguese national man who had escaped from the Prison of Leiria.

The prisoner, who was on a four-day probation that had been granted so that he could spend the holiday with his family, decided on their own initiative, not to return to prison. He was serving a 7 year prison sentence.

Following receipt of the information the PSP were able to determine the whereabouts of the prisoner in the city centre.

GNR Operation achieves good results

The National Republican Guard (GNR) stopped during the weekend 130 people and seized 195 doses of hashish and 27 heroin in an operation aimed at preventing and combating violent crime.

In a statement this released Monday, the GNR said that, on 20 and 21 February, they arrested 130 people, including 60 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 27 for driving without a license, five for drugs and five for theft.

Within the seizures, and with regard to drugs, the release of GNR stated they had also confiscated three firearms.

During the operation 6,194 checks were conducted and 1962 offenses detected, including 936 for speeding, 60 for misuse of mobile phone while driving, 78 missing or incorrect use of safety belts and / or restraint system for children. 

There were also 71 violations of tachographs, 73 for lack of mandatory periodic inspection; 60 for driving with alcohol level higher than blood to the extent permitted by law and 31 for lack of compulsory insurance.

Cybercrime and Computer Security 

Safer Internet Day - Investing in our Future

On 9th February 2016 more than 100 countries worldwide, including all 28 countries of the European Union, celebrated Safer Internet Day for the thirteenth year running. 

Initiated under the European Commission's Safer Internet Programme and now continuing under the Connecting Europe Facility which funds Safer Internet Centres in the member states, the day marks an annual opportunity to engage in making the internet a safer and better place for our children and young people.

Coordinated by European Schoolnet and INHOPE (the International Association of Internet Hotlines), in close partnership with the Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres in Europe, Safer Internet Day has grown tremendously over the years.

In Portugal, the activities are being led by the Centro Internet Segura (Safer Internet Centre) and are being coordinated by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Foundation for Science and Technology.

The law enforcement agencies also play a major part by holding various events. On 9th February I spoke to one of the main players, the Commander of GNR Cyber Security Task Force, Lieutenant - Coronel Paulo Santos, about their activities marking this day, as well as the development and work of the task force since it was formed in 2014.

To bring their work into the broader context, Lt. Cor. Santos revealed that of the world's population of some 7 billion people, over 3 billion use the internet and there are over 2 billion active social media accounts, figures that are growing considerably. By 2019 it is estimated that the cost of internet fraud will reach a staggering US$2 trillion. It is essential there that law enforcement invests in combating cybercrime not only through enforcement, but also through education which is what the GNR are doing. 



On-line dating fraud cost victims £27 million last year

On line dating fraud in the UK cost victims a heart- breaking £27 million last year, according to the latest statistics from the City of London Police's National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).

Over 2,700 on-line dating related crimes were reported to UK's Action Fraud over 12 months with the average loss standing at £10,000. However, the actual number of crimes is thought to be considerably higher, with victims not reporting them owing to embarrassment.

Almost two thirds (62%) of all victims are aged between 40-69 accounting for £16 million of the total losses. People aged between 50 and 59 are the most likely victims accounting for a quarter of all frauds and losing just over £6 million. 

Almost two thirds (64%) of all romance scams originated on dating sites, followed by social media (25%) and 10% via email. Only 2% of reported dating frauds originated via contact made on dating apps. 

The key advice from the NFIB, to follow which will help you stay safe includes never sending funds to someone you have never met. If you're in two minds always consult with a trusted friend or family member who will be able to view the situation objectively and provide another opinion on the situation.

"It is also very important that if you think you are being targeted or have been a victim of dating fraud to report it. Sharing this information will help identify and track down these heartless criminals who have absolutely no regard for people's emotional or financial well-being".
 
Read more and advice

PSP - "Operation Click on Security" - Results

The PSP conducted "Operation Click on Security" from 1st to 10th February. This operation, nationwide, mobilized all PSP units dealing within the school community covering: a dynamic prevention in on-line space: alert awareness of the new risks on the Internet and security advice and self-protection measures to be adopted in the cyber world.

-  Human resources committed: 502 police officers;
-  Material resources committed: 220 police vehicles;
-  Number of educational activities: 453;
-  Number of students participating: 17204;
-  Educational Institutions involved: 259;
-  Number of individual contacts: 833.


Overseas News

EU Referendum - Further details and how to register to vote

As you maybe aware the UK Referendum on whether the UK should remain or leave the EU will take place on 23rd June 2016. This is a vitally important day in determining the countries future, and therefore people are encouraged to vote..

For further details and applying to register to vote please visit GOV UK website page here.

If you are unable to register on-line the download the application forms here. and send by post.

UK nationals who have been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years can register as an overseas elector, to be able to vote in UK Parliamentary General Elections, UK-wide referenda, and European Parliamentary elections.

Please note that the deadline for application for registration of to vote in the EU Referendum has not yet been set, so it is advised that those wishing to do so,should take action as soon as possible.

Statement by Commissioner for Justice EU on European Day of Victim of Crime

Millions of Europeans who fall victim to crime every year in Europe deserve better support, and better protection.

On the occasion of the European day for victims of crime, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, of the European Commission (EC) Vera Jourová said: "The new rules in place since last November, better protect anyone who becomes a victim of crime, in their home country and abroad. They give victims clear rights to information, protection, and access to support service, and they give clear rights to victims' family members, who are often indirect victims themselves. But better rights on paper will not automatically guarantee access to these rights in real life.

This is often the case when victims are in a country where they don't speak the language, if the offender is a close relative or if the victim is an abused child.

There are many situations in which victims need particular attention and assistance. While the EU rules offer solutions in such situation, Member States have to ensure that these rules become a reality.

This means that all stakeholders must work together at every step throughout a criminal proceeding; this includes police, prosecutors, legal professions as well as members of support services.

Directors of Chinese Bank arrested in Spain - Money Laundering Probe

On 17 February 2016 Europol supported the Spanish Guardia Civil in an operation which targeted the top management of the Spanish branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) as part of a probe into the suspected laundering of at least EUR 40 million.

This operation, known as Operation Shadow, is part of a wider probe carried out last year against Chinese organised crime groups based in Spain. In May 2015, Europol supported Operation Snake which led to the dismantlement of a Chinese criminal network suspected of importing huge amounts of goods from China without declaring them on customs forms, to avoid import and tax duties.

Investigations later revealed that the criminal network targeted by Operation Snake deposited the money earned into ICBC, which is accused of sending the funds to China without checking their origin as required by law.

Following the money trail, Spanish investigators found out that the money laundering system uncovered by Operation Snake was employed by several other Chinese and Spanish criminal syndicates which were using the services of ICBC Spain to introduce into the financial system funds earned through the crimes of smuggling, tax and excise fraud and labour exploitation, allowing the transfer of the funds to China in a way that appeared legal.

Operation Shadow, which saw the involvement of over 100 Spanish law enforcement officers and was supported by Europol's Financial Intelligence Group, resulted in the arrest of 5 directors of ICBC during the search of the branch's offices in Madrid. 

How you can help - Donation for crime prevention in the Algarve
 

Each week Safe Communities Algarve provides advice and assistance to those who have contacted the association. No charge is made for this service. If you have benefited from this then why not make a small donation in return. 

 

Safe Communities Algarve is a non-profit association run by unpaid volunteers. Our services are free of charge and the association is funded by donations. Your generosity by making a donation to help maintain and further develop the work of the association and thereby help keep the Algarve a safe place to live and visit would be appreciated. Any amount helps.  


Three ways to make a donation


 

Paypal - If you would like to make a donation through Paypal please visit our Welcome page and click on the "donate" button. 

By cheque - If you wish to donate by cheque the bank account name is "Associacao SCP Safe Communities Portugal" and cheques can be posted to Caixa 207-Z, Alfontes, Boliqueime, 8100-062, Algarve.

By interbank transfer - If you wish to donate through inter bank transfer please use the same name with the following account details NIB 0033 0000 4542 9864 44705. 

All donations should be marked "Donation for crime prevention". Thank you.

Safe Communities Algarve - Regular Features
 
Just a reminder that in addition to our website and Facebook page, Safe Communities Algarve produces regular crime prevention features to help the community. These are  in the Algarve Resident where there is a full page feature in the first issue each month. The next feature will be out on 3rd March 2016.

We also have a 5 minute feature named "Crimecheck" on Owen Gee's Solid Gold Sunday which is aired at 0920 hrs on the last Sunday of each month. The next one is scheduled for Sunday 28th February 2016.

How your friends can obtain up to date Crime Prevention advice
 
Please pass on details of Safe Communities Algarve to neighbours and friends so they to can benefit from the up to date crime prevention advice. Simply ask them to click on the following link to obtain the latest newsletter: www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com This is a free service.

 

 

David Thomas

President
Safe Communities Algarve

 

 

26th February 2016