Lisbon, Dec. 27, 2024 (Lusa) - The PSP police force recorded four deaths on the roads, three more than last year, and arrested 242 people for road offences in the first phase of Operation Safe Holidays between the 18th and Thursday.
In a statement, the Public Security Police (PSP) announced the arrest of 550 people, 242 of them for road offences.
Among those arrested for road crimes, 155 were driving under the influence of alcohol, and 87 did not have a driving licence.
Also arrested were 15 people for possession of a prohibited weapon, 40 suspected of drug trafficking, "more than 66,592 individual doses having been seized", and 36 for thefts and robberies.
In addition to drugs, during the Christmas phase of the operation, the PSP seized "22 firearms and 37 bladed weapons, either as a precautionary measure or following arrests for possession of prohibited weapons", as well as "47,145 pyrotechnic articles".
In terms of road accidents, the police recorded four deaths (three more than in 2023) and 465 injuries (28 more), 23 of which were serious (eight more), following 1,374 accidents (119 fewer than in the same period last year).
"A total of 12,512 vehicles were inspected and 44,735 were checked by radar, with 3,470 road traffic offences detected," the force adds.
It also pointed out that of the traffic offences detected, 570 were due to speeding, 354 were due to the lack of mandatory periodic inspections, 134 were due to the lack of insurance, 98 were due to driving under the influence of alcohol, 78 were due to the improper use of mobile phones and 50 were due to the "lack or incorrect use of seat belts and/or child restraint systems".
"Also as part of Operation Safe Holidays, the PSP carried out the action called Montra Segura (Safe Shop Window), as part of Proximity Policing - Safe Commerce, with 439 awareness actions having been carried out, in which 7,199 shopkeepers were sensitised," the statement said.
The PSP is starting the New Year phase of Operation Safe Holidays 2024/2025 today, which will last until next Thursday, 2 January 2025. It says it will pay special attention to "safety in the possession and use of pyrotechnic articles" and recommend respect for prohibited areas and careful use of fireworks.
Portugal has two general police forces. The National Guard Police (GNR) shares policing responsibilities with the Public Security Police (PSP), which is responsible only for the large urban centres (5% of the national territory). The GNR is responsible for 40% of the country's cities, 98% of towns and all villages.
PAL //FPA
Lusa/fim
