By the end of the week, 8 to 12 March, two more locations in the country will follow, bringing the total to 27 installed nationwide.

“Currently, 25 towns and cities have installed video surveillance cameras. This week, we are adding two more in the Alentejo region and another two in the North of the country, bringing the total to 29 installations nationwide," said the Secretary of State for Internal Administration, Telmo Correia.

The official addressed journalists in Moura, in the district of Beja, during the signing of the protocol for installing the local video surveillance system, following the announcement of the expanded initiative.

Identifying criminal activity

In statements to journalists, Telmo Correia revealed that, in the last two years, the number of approved video surveillance cameras in the country increased from 1,000 to 1,500, indicating an addition of 500 cameras. He stated that this increase has had positive results.

These systems have enabled the identification and capture of criminals and reduced offences in Amadora and Faro, he said.

He highlighted that the images help detect crimes and serve as evidence in court proceedings.

Double investment

The Secretary of State explained that councils invest in acquiring the systems, while the PSP ensures a control room staffed with officers who analyse camera images 24/7.

In statements to journalists, the mayor of Moura, Álvaro Azedo, revealed that 10 video surveillance cameras will be installed in the city. This project represents an investment totalling approximately €50,000.

"We will immediately launch the procedure to move forward with the installation of both the system and the conditions that the PSP needs and deserves to take care of our people," he argued.

Extending to rural parishes

When questioned about extending this measure to rural parishes, the mayor stated that it could be considered if the security forces deem it necessary.

The session also included the signing of an addendum to the Inter-administrative Cooperation Agreement for the rehabilitation of the Moura PSP police station facilities, which will involve an investment of around one million euros.

"Moura is a safe city. Obviously, it has its flaws that lead us to understand that we need to do this work of anticipating insecurity scenarios," said the mayor.

And, “the better the resources we provide to the PSP and the GNR, the more care we take of our community, the greater the guarantee that we will maintain, more than just this feeling, this daily rhythm of our lives in safety,” explained Álvaro Azedo.