What's Happening in the Heart of Lisbon? Gunfire, Uneasy Shopkeepers and Growing Insecurity in Baixa

Baixa is one of the first places that come to mind when Lisbon is mentioned. Street musicians, the sound of trams, the smell of fresh pastel de nata emanating from the shop windows... However, lately, that old, peaceful atmosphere has unfortunately begun to be replaced by a palpable uneasiness. A 42-year-old Swedish tourist, who was choosing dessert at a bakery recently, was shot in the chest (fortunately, it was not life-threatening) during a fight between two people, which further fueled the fire that had been smoldering in the region for a while.

In the evening when the incident took place, tourists who took shelter in shops in panic and surrounding tradesmen who were confused about what had happened, now asked "Where is this place going?" he started asking.

What Has Changed in Rua Augusta?

The stories told by those who have been running shops on the streets of Baixa for years show that the situation did not suddenly turn into this situation. When you talk to the shopkeepers working on the famous Rua Augusta, the common problem is always the same: Even though police patrols are visible on the street, crime incidents do not slow down.

Thefts have become a daily routine: breaking into display windows, stealing items from the shop and running away, and pickpockets hunting for wallets in the crowd have made the shopkeepers tired. It has become commonplace to see security guards entering the shop two or three times a day and chasing thieves.

The pressure felt by tourists: The fact that people who come to visit the city cannot walk freely on the streets and are constantly subjected to harassment or pressure from someone does not suit the spirit of the capital.

Old troubles are returning: The resurgence of thefts from vehicles parked in the streets carries the feeling of insecurity to the doorsteps of the houses.

Many Requests, No Responses

Maria João Correia, President of the Santa Maria Maior Neighborhood Council to which the region belongs, also clearly expresses the seriousness of the situation. He emphasizes that it is important for the police to be visible on the street, but it is not enough on its own.

There are very clear needs that have been expressed for months:

A comprehensive camera tracking system (CCTV) that will save streets from blind spots,

Renewal of inadequate and old street lighting,

A deterrent and permanent security plan.

However, although months have passed since the meeting requests made to both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas, no concrete response has been received.

The most annoying part was that the suspect, who opened fire in the middle of the street in broad daylight and injured a tourist, was released a short time later. Having to watch our backs while we want to walk peacefully in the city center, look at the shop windows and drink coffee does not suit Lisbon at all. Authorities should not ignore this situation any longer.

Source: Natasha Donn / Portugal Resident (via SIC Notícias)

Image Source: SIC Notícias (Screenshot)