Portugal: Vehicle Thefts Record 11.6% Increase Over Three-Year Surge

Official data from Eurostat confirms a sustained, three-year rise in vehicle thefts across Portugal. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of recorded cases climbed from 7,485 to 8,354, representing a cumulative increase of 11.6%. This upward trajectory has been consistent, with each consecutive year showing a higher volume of reported incidents than the previous period, marking a significant shift in the country's crime statistics.

3 straight years of increase

The escalation in vehicle theft began in 2021, when 7,485 cases were officially registered. By 2022, the number of recorded thefts rose to 8,096, an increase of 611 cases in a single year. This momentum continued into 2023, with the total reaching 8,189 cases. The most recent data for 2024 shows the trend persisting, with the annual count climbing further to 8,354 cases. This sequence of annual growth confirms a continuous expansion in the volume of vehicle thefts over the 36-month period.

About these figures

These figures are derived from official statistics provided by Eurostat. The data reflects officially recorded cases of vehicle theft reported to law enforcement authorities in Portugal. The statistics represent the total count of incidents documented by the state, providing a standardized measure of the prevalence of this specific offence over the reported timeframe.