GNR reports rise in juvenile crime and digital offenses

The Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) reported an 11.6% increase in juvenile crime involving individuals up to 16 years old during the first half of 2026, rising from 714 to 797 occurrences compared to the same period in 2025.

While overall crime rose, violent and serious offenses saw a significant 44% decrease, driven by a reduction in street robberies and serious physical assaults. However, there is a notable shift toward digital conflict, with a 160% surge in offenses committed via the internet and social media, which the GNR attributes to the rise of cyberbullying.

Other increases were noted in driving without a license (+50%), commercial theft (+26.1%), and drug trafficking (+42.9%). The most frequent offenses remain simple physical assaults and threats. Most incidents occur on weekdays between 13:00 and 18:00, coinciding with school dismissal times. The highest number of cases were recorded in the districts of Setúbal, Faro, Lisbon, and Porto.