Car rentals Portugal - Crime

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Crime

CRIME: Portugal has a relatively low rate of violent crime. However, petty crime is on the rise in continental Portugal. Travelers may become targets of pickpockets and purse-snatchers, particularly at popular tourist sites, restaurants, or on public transportation. Rental cars and vehicles with non-local license plates can be targets for break-ins, and travelers should remove all luggage from vehicles upon parking. Travelers should also avoid using Automatic Teller Machines in isolated or poorly lit areas. Drivers in continental Portugal should keep car doors locked when stopped at intersections.
In general, visitors to Portugal should carry limited cash and credit cards on their person, and leave extra cash, credit cards, and personal documents at home or in a hotel safe. While thieves may operate anywhere, the U.S. Embassy receives reports of theft from the following areas:

Lisbon Area: Pick-pocketing and purse-snatching in the Lisbon area sometimes occur in buses, restaurants, the airport, trains, train stations, and trams, especially tram number twenty-eight to the Castle of Sao Jorge. Thefts of purses, briefcases, and wallets have also occurred in hotel lobbies, restaurants, and elevators. Gangs of youths have robbed passengers on the Lisbon-Cascais train. At restaurants, items hung over the backs of chairs or placed on the floor may be stolen. There have been reports of theft of unattended luggage from the Lisbon airport. Special care should be taken in the Santa Apolonia and Rossio train stations, the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, the Castle of Sao Jorge, and the area of Belem.

Other Areas: Thefts have been reported in Sintra, Cascais, Mafra, and Fatima. Automobile break-ins occur in parking areas at tourist attractions and near restaurants. Special care should be taken in parking at the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace in Sintra and at the beachfront areas of Guincho, Cabo da Roca, and Boca do Inferno.

Azores: In contrast to continental Portugal, pick-pocketing and purse-snatching are not common occurrences in the Azores. There are no reports of organized crime or gangs.

Madeira: Pick-pocketing, while infrequent, may occur in the old town and Santa Catarina park areas of Funchal.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The emergency number for medical and police assistance is 112. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.