Safety
Safety
Lisbon is a very safe city, with impressively low levels of violent crime. But please be warned that the pickpockets working the main tourist streetcars have become bolder and bolder. During certain weeks they operate everyday, all day.
Be careful when getting on the streetcar, and if you see that there is some kind of mêlée or confusion at the stop, secure your belongings. If you feel you are a target while in the streetcar, or going to be “squeezed” through a bunch of aggressive people at the back of the streetcar ask for permission to leave through the front of the car. Do not be a victim!
If you do have a problem, please take the time to make a complaint to the Police, the PSP. They have recently opened a mobile tourist point, where you can ask for advice or report any problems you have had. The officers there are multilingual. It will be rotating in the summertime from Belém to various big tourist areas in the downtown area.
In Lisbon, stick to the same rules as you would anywhere. Try to stay in well-lit places with other people around. The only thing that makes the Baixa slightly less safe at night is that it can become quite deserted. Try to stay on the main streets where there is activity, and you’ll have no problems. Always look for your belongings (mainly women bags and cameras) when you seat in a restaurant or esplanade.
In the street and public transport: Keep on eye your bag, movile phone and wallet. Only carry with you your identification and credits cards. Be alert on public transport, particulary when crowded.
When shopping: Watch your bag and wallet during shopping.
How to avoid items stolen from car: Put everything in the boot before reaching the place where you are going to park; Never leave personal documents, chequebooks, credits cards or radios inside the vehicle; At night, park in a busy area, well-lit area or near to the hotel reception.
If you are mugged: Stay calm; Try to remember as much as you can about the mugger, any car used to get away and possible accomplices so that you can describe them to the police later; Immediatly report it to police (Policia Segurança Pública); Cancel your credit, debit and bank cards immediately; If you are left with no money or bank cards, you can transfer funds from your bank account at Western Union.
