The seminar was organised by the PSP police force and was held on October 25 at the School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism of the University of the Algarve in Faro.
Addressing the audience, Minister Miguel Macedo said it is “strategically important” for the tourism industry that Portugal is recognised as a safe destination, in the face of competition from Turkey and Tunisia. “With instability affecting those countries, the influx of French tourists has been particularly significant here,” he said.
The minister believes Portugal has a big enough problem with the financial crisis as it is and does not need security to become another problem to have to deal with.
Speakers on the day included the director general of the PSP, Chief superintendent Paulo Valente Gomes, the commander of PSP Faro District, Superintendent Jorge Alexandre Gonçalves Maurício, the president of Turismo do Algarve, Desidério Silva, the president of Safe Communities Algarve (SCA), David Thomas, and the British Vice Consul in Portimão, Clive Jewell.
Also in attendance were the director of the PJ Judicial Police (South), Dr. Luís Mota Carmo, director of SEF Faro District Fátima Teixeira and around 150 other police, academics, business leaders and representatives from various government authorities.
David Thomas gave a presentation about the development of SCA, its crime prevention work and collaboration with other organisations focusing on maintaining and promoting the Algarve as a safe destination. This was followed by a panel discussion on the perception of the Algarve as a safe destination following the aftermath of an isolated serious crime. The SCA president thanked both the PSP and GNR commanders for their work in supporting the crime prevention seminars held by SCA over the last year.
Clive Jewell highlighted the importance of the work done by consular staff in proactively forging strong and mutually beneficial relationships, not only with the police, but also with other authorities such as the courts, hospitals, social workers, the victim support agency APAV and other charities to ensure vulnerable British nationals can be provided with the right support, depending on their personal circumstances. He congratulated the PSP and the other authorities on their “excellent, ongoing co-operation with the consular team”.
Crime prevention seminars
A recent crime prevention seminar held jointly by Associação Safe Communities Algarve (SCA) and the GNR for Moncarapacho residents was attended by some 55 residents.
Presentations were given by Captain Santos, Commander of Faro GNR, who is the overall Commander for the Faro district, and David Thomas, President of Safe Communities Algarve.
The objective of the seminar was mainly to inform residents of preventative steps that should be taken in the approach to the winter months and Christmas.
This is one of a number of seminars and displays currently being planned in the lead up to Christmas. A cybercrime seminar in association with the PJ Judicial Police will take place on December 9 at Quinta do Lago’s Conrad Algarve Hotel (from 6pm), while other crime prevention presentations will also be held next month in Cascais, Almancil and Portimão.
www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com
