Pickpocketing in Portugal has changed significantly over the years. This type of crime is not part of violent and serious criminality, but deserves special attention from the PSP, the Public Security Police, due to its changes over time.
Traditionally, pickpocketing was strongly associated with older people of Portuguese origin, who made this activity their way of life. These very elderly people dedicated themselves to wallet theft continuously and professionally.
Tourism has profoundly altered this criminal scenario. The growing presence of tourists in Portugal brought new dynamics to crime, including to pickpocketing, which adapted to this different reality.
In an interview with the news agency, the commander of the Lisbon Metropolitan Command (Cometlis) of the PSP explained this reality, highlighting that the tradition of pickpocketing in Portugal was closely linked to very senior people of Portuguese origin who had always made this activity their source of income.
