Thieves choose older people who live alone or in isolated houses, act in groups of three to four individuals and try to manipulate the victims. The targets are mainly women in the Greater Lisbon region.
The robberies of houses in the Lisbon region are increasing: in the first two months of the year alone, the Public Security Police (PSP) reported 82 cases. The targets are old people, especially women, victims of a new scheme of robbers.
Choose old people whoEU live alone or in isolated houses, thein groups of three to four individuals ISam the so -called mistake of mistake to manipulate the victims.
“Usually ask for a glass of water, they ask to access the bathroom, sometimes there are situations where they use children. This in order to gain the victim’s confidence and try to access the interior of the residence,” explains Sérgio Soares, PSP’s subtendent.
After entering, One of the robbers distracts the victim While the other two review the house. Most thefts happen During the week and in full light of day.
“Usually they go behind jewelry, goods, money, gold, silver … Usually goods that can put inside pockets or backpacks (…) We have no report, so far, of any kind of violence, is a mode of action that is based on communication, “he says.
The councils of the authorities
Only in the first two months of this year 82 thefts were recorded, most in the Lisbon region. THE says it is essential to know how to protect the house and There are steps that help prevent.
“Do not open the door to unknown people. If you see people who are not known in the neighborhood or on the street where they live, inform our proximity police. (…) We also advise you to have close contacts, or 112, or the contact of the PSP squad of the area, “advises Sérgio Soares.
If you realize that you are being theft, It must remain calm and not act against these groups. As soon as you can, must report the situation to the authorities.
PSP will redouble attention to this type of crime.
