In a note sent to newsrooms, the local authority “vehemently repudiates the false information that has been circulating on social media”, where, “through the use of an image dated 2017 — five years before the video surveillance system came into operation in the city — it was deliberately intended to make people believe that the video surveillance cameras in Portimão were switched off”.

“This allegation, in addition to being completely false, is particularly irresponsible and serious, as it creates an unjustified feeling of insecurity among the population and puts at risk a fundamental tool in Portimão’s public security policy”, states the Municipality.

In the same note, the city hall clarifies that video surveillance has been a “crucial piece in both the prevention and deterrence of unlawful behaviour, such as in supporting criminal investigations, in close coordination with the competent authorities.”

For these reasons, its expansion to the old part of the city is already planned.

Considering this information “an attack on citizens’ trust”, Portimão City Council appeals to administrators and moderators of the groups where this publication has been disseminated to “take a responsible and active stance in combating fake news”.

Portimão City Council also reiterates that, “whenever public safety and the truth of the facts are at stake, it will not hesitate to take a firm public position, contributing to an informed and transparent debate, in defence of our community”.