Juvenile crime involving individuals under 16 rose 11.6% in the first half of 2026, reaching 797 reported cases. While violent and serious offenses decreased, there were notable increases in digital crimes like cyberbullying, driving without a license, theft from shops, and drug trafficking, with incidents concentrated in school perimeters during weekday afternoons.
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Official data for the first half of 2026 shows a 4.8% increase in general crime in PSP-patrolled areas of Castelo Branco and a 20.1% increase in GNR-patrolled areas compared to 2025. The rise in GNR areas is largely attributed to forest fires (arson) between March and June, while property crimes dominate PSP areas. Domestic violence cases also increased, with a rise in new reported cases and children needing support.
The public expenditure for police wages will grow by 2.9%, but the increase is largely earmarked for new personnel and a planned supplement for approximately 2,500 security forces staff rather than general salary hikes.
The GNR is intensifying patrols and traffic enforcement on mainland roads from Friday, 30 October, until Sunday, 1 November, to manage increased traffic associated with the All Saints' Day holiday. Officers will focus on traffic flow, general policing, and crime prevention, with specific attention to driving safety rules, including speed, seatbelt use, and mobile phone usage.