More than 35 homes are broken into every day in Portugal: Annual total is on the decline

According to police records, approximately 12,973 residential burglaries took place in Portugal in a year. This figure means that an average of over 35 houses are broken into daily across the country.

However, contrary to the impression that the figure creates at first glance, there is no annual increase in residential thefts.

The total in PSP and GNR data is lower than the previous period.

Therefore, saying “house burglaries have exploded in Portugal” is not supported by current data.

What do 12 thousand 973 cases cover?

The figure includes residential burglaries recorded by PSP and GNR.

When converted to a daily average, there are over 35 events.

This does not mean that the risk is the same in every region.

The geographical distribution of crime varies according to population density, tourist areas, housing type and other local factors.

The number decreased compared to last year

The most important distinction to note in new data is the difference between trend and absolute number.

Approximately 13 thousand cases is a high crime volume.

However, there is a decline compared to the previous year's figure.

Therefore the correct conclusion for the reader is:

Residential burglary is still a common crime in Portugal, but recent data does not show it is increasing rapidly.

Insurance fraud is also on the agenda

Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores also highlights cases of insurance fraud linked to theft.

In some files, the value of the items reported stolen or the occurrence of the incident False declarations regarding its format may be encountered.

The insurance industry argues that such frauds increase the total cost of claims and may ultimately affect insurance prices.

Does home insurance automatically cover theft?

No.

In Portugal, theft coverage in home insurance depends on the scope of the policy.

Basic types of insurance that are mandatory or required for mortgage loans may not automatically cover the theft of all items in the house.

Landlords and tenants need to check whether furto ou roubo coverage is included in the policy and what property limits apply.

Resources

Jornal de Notícias — 6 October 2026

https://www.jn.pt/justica/artigo/mais-de-35-residencias-sao-assaltadas-por-dia-em-todo-o-pais/18133908

PSP — Polícia de Segurança Pública

https://www.psp.pt/

GNR — Guarda Nacional Republicana

https://www.gnr.pt/