Portugal boosts police and video surveillance in Algarve municipalities

Portugal's Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, has confirmed a series of security upgrades across several Algarve municipalities. In Albufeira, a meeting with local officials resulted in the deployment of an additional 35‑40 Guardia Nacional Republicana (GNR) officers through December to address the seasonal tourist surge.

In Portimão, Mayor Álvaro Bila presented a memorandum containing ten proposals, including the reinforcement of PSP and GNR forces, the installation of 248 new surveillance cameras (totaling 294) at an estimated cost of €1.3 million, and the creation of a dedicated security and emergency management centre.

Loulé's council also met with Neves, securing the arrival of 814 security trainees for the summer months, the allocation of ten municipal homes for the troops, and funding to rehabilitate the local GNR post (approximately €200 k). The council seeks expanded video‑surveillance coverage for Vilamoura and surrounding towns and the establishment of a municipal police force.

Separately, the CDU group in Vila Nova de Famalicão called for increased resources for the PSP and GNR, emphasizing the need for better staffing and working conditions while rejecting alarmist narratives about local security.