The GNR arrested six men and one woman who allegedly were part of an organized group suspected of several dozen thefts in nursing homes, day centers and parish councils in districts in the North and Center of the country.
In a statement, the GNR states that the thefts occurred, with greater incidence, in the districts of Braga, Viana do Castelo, Bragança, Guarda, Viseu, Vila Real, Porto and Aveiro and caused losses that could amount to around half a million euros.
Following the investigation, which began at the end of the summer of this year, the GNR found that it was an organized and hierarchical group, “which made this type of criminal offense its way of life”.
According to the GNR, the suspects’ modus operandi was based on breaking down doors with the aim of stealing money and gold objects inside the premises.
Whenever safes were found, they were transported and later broken into in other locations.
As part of the investigation, 17 search warrants were carried out, specifically nine at homes, two in commercial establishments and six in vehicles, in the municipalities of Guimarães, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Póvoa de Varzim and Valença, culminating in the arrest of six men and one woman, aged between 22 and 55 years.
During the operation, a man and a woman, aged 55 and 49, respectively, were also accused.
“The detainees have an extensive criminal history for committing crimes of the same nature, with some of them leaving prison during the year 2025”, adds the statement.
During the operation, the GNR seized two vehicles, more than a hundred gold pieces, 35,800 euros, tools used for cutting and breaking into, 460 doses of MDMA, 120 doses of hashish, packaging material for narcotic products, a scale and two watches.
The detainees will be present on Wednesday at the Porto Criminal Investigation Court, for the application of coercive measures.