Lisbon's Infamous Pickpocket, Known as the King of Trams, Arrested After Long Criminal History

Arrest of a Notorious Pickpocket

The Metropolitan Command of Lisbon of the PSP has reported a peculiar arrest: the oldest pickpocket in Lisbon, who operated mainly on tourist trams and routes. The 62-year-old suspect, known for his extensive criminal record, was recently sentenced to four years in prison after being investigated for over 20 qualified thefts.

“The suspect, also known as 'Zé do Porto', is a long-time target of investigations and has a significant criminal footprint, primarily targeting tourists.”

The investigation, which began in 2019, culminated in the execution of a detention warrant and the transfer of the defendant to the appropriate prison facility.

PSP's Advice for Tourists

Although tourists are the preferred targets of 'Zé do Porto', anyone can fall victim to such crimes. Therefore, the PSP offers several key recommendations:

• Do not keep valuables in pockets that are not visible (like back pockets).
• Avoid displaying valuable items (jewelry, wallets, phones).
• Do not carry large sums of money in your wallet; if necessary, distribute it across different locations.
• Keep your bag or backpack close, preferably under your arm or facing forward.

Public Transport Safety Tips

If traveling on public transport, the PSP advises to:

• Stay alert and whenever possible, travel in groups.
• Wait for transport in well-lit areas near other travelers.
• Avoid being alone at stops, especially at night.
• Familiarize yourself with schedules to minimize wait times.
• Separate your fare money in advance.
• Be cautious when boarding and disembarking.
• Choose seats close to the driver on buses and trams with few passengers.
• Avoid empty train or metro carriages, particularly at night.