"Violent crime, from a historical perspective, has decreased, and that is significant," Manuel Pinto said during the PJ's 80th anniversary celebrations in Porto.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, he noted that crimes committed by organized groups at gas stations, jewellery stores, or homes, as was the case a few years ago, have decreased.

António Pinto stated that, in the last five years, the Porto Judiciary Police (PJ) recorded 3,700 investigations related to violent crimes, representing 10% of all crimes.

However, from the beginning of this year until August, the investigative police recorded an increase in this type of crime, reaching 12%, a figure that could change by the end of the year, he emphasized.

The director of the Porto Judiciary Police (PJ), Pedro Machado, also noted that there has been a significant change in violent crime against property over the last decade.

"Today, in general, we do not have the same proportions, widespread level of violence, and the organized nature and scope of the actions that occurred in the past, following the successive dismantling of numerous criminal groups as a result of investigations conducted by the Judiciary Police," he emphasized.

Due to the characteristics and dynamics associated with them, this type of crime requires highly specialized investigators who are constantly updated to understand and anticipate new modalities and methods of action, he explained.

And to, he added, effectively identify and dismantle criminal groups and networks.