The video surveillance system implemented in July last year is already producing results in the fight against crime. In the first six months of operation, a 17.6% reduction in crime was recorded in areas where the cameras were installed, Superintendent Dario Sanguedo said at a press conference.
According to the official, in 2025, 310 crimes were recorded in areas covered by the CCTV system, most of which were property and community crimes.
The analysis shows that before the cameras were installed, there were 169 crimes, but after they were put in place, the number dropped to 141.
The drop was particularly significant in several streets of the city, namely Avenida Calouste Gulbenkian, Avenida Sá Carneiro, Praça da Autonomia, Rua 31 de Janeiro, Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot, and Rua das Fontes. Overall, criminal activity in these areas dropped by 22.9%.
Besides serving as a deterrent, cameras have been used as an investigative tool. Since the system began operating, there have been 79 requests to preserve images, with 14 of those currently under investigation.
From the image reviews, four cases had positive results but no suspect identification, while eight led to identifying the perpetrators. There are still seven investigations ongoing under DIAP’s responsibility. According to Superintendent Dario Sanguedo, these numbers prove the measure is achieving its goal: “The system is clearly working.”
Superintendent Sanguedo further believes that the results may improve over time, in view of the results obtained in these first months.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Photo: JM
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