Lisbon Expands Video Surveillance with New Cameras in Cais do Sodré
The installation of 30 new video surveillance cameras in Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré area has officially begun, as announced by Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas. During a presentation at the Lisbon Municipal Assembly, Moedas emphasized the importance of the cameras for enhancing city security, stating, “We are starting to install video security cameras in Cais do Sodré, which are extremely important for our security.”
This initiative is part of the city’s broader plan to expand its video protection system. The mayor highlighted that the installation in Cais do Sodré fulfills a long-standing request, with future plans to extend this system to Campo das Cebolas, where 32 additional cameras are set to be installed. Moedas assured that the locations for the new cameras would align with recommendations from the Public Security Police (PSP).
Security remains a top priority for Lisbon’s administration, with Moedas asserting that, “We cannot have any stigma. We have to talk about security in Lisbon. It’s normal for the mayor to do this, it’s normal for us to take care of our security.” He added that Lisbon is already a safe city, but continuous efforts are necessary to maintain that safety.
However, during the assembly, independent MP Daniela Serralha, from Cidadãos Por Lisboa (PS/Livre coalition), raised concerns about the perceived increase in insecurity, pointing out that PSP data does not show a rise in crime and criticized issues with public lighting in the city.
According to data released on January 28, crime in Lisbon decreased by 12.6% in 2024 compared to 2023, with violent and serious crime falling by 10.41%. The figures showed a significant decline in crime, with 2024 marking the second-largest drop in a decade, only surpassed by the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
In response, Moedas acknowledged the decline in crime but noted that there had been an increase in the severity of incidents. “If the safety figures are confirmed, obviously I will be the first to be pleased, but the figures must be looked at carefully,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of understanding the details behind the numbers.
The mayor also noted that, during the first half of 2024, the PSP had experienced a strike, which may have influenced crime data, particularly for so-called proactive crimes.
Currently, Lisbon has 34 video surveillance cameras in operation—27 in Bairro Alto since 2014 and seven in the Miradouro de Santa Catarina area. The first phase of the expansion plan is underway, with 99 additional cameras expected to be installed by August. These will be spread across four locations: Cais do Sodré (30), Campo das Cebolas (32), Restauradores (17), and Ribeira das Naus (20).
The second phase of the expansion will bring 117 cameras to 11 locations, including Praça do Comércio, Cais das Colunas, Praça D. Pedro IV, Praça da Figueira, Rua Augusta, Rua do Ouro, Rua da Prata, Rua do Comércio, Rua dos Fanqueiros, Santa Apolónia – Rua Caminhos de Ferro, and Santa Apolónia – Avenida Infante D. Henrique.
