EMEL, Lisbon’s car parking and mobility manager, announced that 189 shared bicycles were stolen from the Gira network in the Portuguese capital between June and August, as well as 54 theft attempts during the same period.


Speaking to the Lusa agency, an EMEL source explained that attempts to steal bicycles caused damage to equipment, and 13 of the 189 stolen bicycles have yet to be located.


In a statement, the company added that with the cooperation of the police, three stolen bicycles were recovered this week, worth €2,420.
In addition to bicycles, EMEL has verified damage to parking meters and the docks of the Gira network.


According to the company, the most damaged docks are in the areas of Campo Grande, Entrecampos, Cais do Sodré and Jardim de Santos.
With regard to vandalism to car parking meters, EMEL noted that “it has lasted for a long time, for years... It is happening all the time to the older ones, since they were installed. People put paper in the coin slot which blocks up the equipment”.