International networks are robbing houses in Portugal. There are almost 20 crimes daily

Although thefts in general are decreasing, crimes related to organized itinerant groups of foreign origin are increasing.

The PSP is on alert due to roving criminal networks who are stealing from houses in Portugal. Although residential thefts are expected to decline in 2023, organized groups entering the country solely to commit crimes remain a central concern for authorities.

According to the PSP, they were registered 6533 thefts inside homes between January and November 2023, a reduction compared to the 6,914 cases in the same period in 2022. Despite the drop, the daily average still remains high, with around 19.5 occurrences. The most commonly used method includes break-in, stagger or the use of a fake key, with 3,151 cases this year. In contrast, thefts in areas attached to residences increased from 1484 in 2022 to 1747 in 2023.

The losses accumulated by the injured parties in 2023 reached 13.4 million eurosless than the 25.1 million in 2022. However, the PSP reinforces that thefts continue to have a relevant impact on the victims’ assets, in line with the conclusions of Europol’s SOCTA 2021 report, which highlights organized crime against heritage as a problem across the European Union.

During 2023, the PSP dismantled several criminal networks, notably an Albanian group that operated in luxury homes in Sintra, Charneca de Caparica and Ericeira. This group, composed of four Albanian citizens and one Portugueseused sophisticated tactics, such as the use of gloves, surgical masks, walkie-talkies and stolen license plates to cover up the crimes. Criminals mainly targeted high-value objects, including jewelry, watches and safes, explains .

Collaboration between the accused was facilitated by a Portuguese goldsmith who provided accommodation, vehicles and helped to dispose of the stolen goods through auction houses. The investigation culminated in the arrest of those involved and their conviction by the Judiciary of the District of Lisbon.

The Albanian defendants received prison sentences between 7 and 10 years and were expelled from Portugal for five years. The Portuguese man, sentenced to four years, is prohibited from carrying out activities related to precious metals for the same period.