Category: Uncategorized

FRAUD – Airbnb has been accused of “making it too easy for scam artists” after it was reported that almost a 1m people may have fallen victim to fraud on the website last year.

As many as 1.1 million bookings were also cancelled at the last minute, often leaving holidaymakers on the streets of an unfamiliar city with nowhere to stay, according to a new analysis of the home sharing business.

The report claims that when things go wrong Airbnb’s customer service is appalling, with more than four in five people who had a bad experience saying the company was unhelpful, rude or failed to refund them properly.

The findings come from a study by a travel blog that analysed more than 1,000 “Airbnb horror stories” to establish what happens when things go wrong, The Times reported on Saturday.

Some of the worst cases included a guest being held hostage and sexually assaulted by a host and another finding a rotting corpse in the garden of a property.

The research found that one in five complainants had a host cancel their stay at the last minute or never turn up. More than a quarter reported unsafe conditions, such as a bug infestation, or the accommodation not being as described.

One in six said they were victim of fraud, such as the host demanding extra cash when they arrived.

Read full report here

The ASAE seized about half a ton of pork during the last holiday season and arrest three people

In supervisory actions, that body detected pig carcasses and roasted piglets that had been slaughtered in “improvised facilities” in “unlicensed” establishments.

“The piglets were intended for a number of customers, some from the catering sector in the Elvas, Terrugem and Pombal areas, and were slaughtered without any sanitary control, in facilities with a lack of hygiene and without drinking water, which severely compromised the safety of foodstuffs food, “ASAE said in a statement on Tuesday.

In the scope of these operations conducted by the centre and southern regional units of ASAE, two criminal cases were opened for clandestine slaughter and about 60 pig carcases were seized, for a total value of 3870 euros. Three people were arrested who were caught in the act.

The National Republican Guard, in addition to its daily operations, carried out a series of operations, throughout the national territory, from December 30 to January 1, aimed at preventing and combating violent crime, road surveillance, among others, with the following operational data:

1. Detentions: 294 detained whist caught in the act as follows:

• 199 for driving under the influence of alcohol;
• 24 for trafficking in narcotics;
• 21 for driving without legal authorization;
• Seven for illegal possession of weapons;
• Six for theft;
• Three for domestic violence;
• One for homicide.

 

2. Seizures of items:

• 827 doses of hashish;
• 11 doses of cocaine;
• Two firearms;
• 124 800 cigarettes;
• 369 euros in cash.

 

3. Transit:

Inspection: 3 464 infractions detected, of which:

• 1 169 for speeding;
• 653 for driving with higher blood alcohol content than allowed by law;
• 161 for lack of mandatory periodic inspection

 

The National Republican Guard (GNR) registered fewer accidents, fatalities and serious injuries in four days of Operation “New Year” than in 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Amada told Lusa news agency.

Speaking to Lusa, Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Amado said that in four days of the operation, 639 accidents were recorded, 303 fewer than last year, in the GNR area of ​​operation.

“Three fatalities were also recorded, four fewer than in 2016, seven seriously injured, 11 fewer than in 2016 and 256 minor injuries, 21 fewer than last year,” he said.

According to the GNR, of the 5,612 offences registered by the GNR, 700 were for alcohol excess, 1,813 for speeding, 162 for lack of safety belts or restraint systems, 153 for improper use of the mobile phone and 244 for lack of periodic inspection.

The Portuguese Firemen’s League (LBP) announced on Friday that it will propose to the Government the construction of a national memorial honouring firefighters who have died in service, totalling 225 in 37 years.

In a statement, the LBP goes on to say that, in addition to the Government, it will also propose to the Lisbon Municipal Council the construction of the national fire department memorial.

The Fire Brigade also decided to propose to the Government a national ceremony to distinguish all Portuguese firemen for “relevant services provided to the country.” The two proposals were decided at the last meeting of the year of the Portuguese Firemen’s League.

According to the LBP, since 1980, 225 firefighters died in service, 89 of them between 2000 and 2017

 

The Diario de Noticais reported a few days ago that across the whole of Portugal the police (specifically the GNR, responsible for road traffic policing) registered 2,825 speeding offences and 308 for driving under the influence of alcohol during the five days of operation “Tranquilo Natal”.

In a statement, the Republican National Guard said that of the 308 drivers caught with alcohol, 93 had a blood alcohol content equal to or greater than 1.2 grams per litre, which is a criminal offence.

During the operation “Tranquilo Natal”, which took place between December 22 and 26, the GNR military detected 211 instances of using a mobile phone while driving and 196 cases of incorrect or non-use of a seat belt.

Safe Communities has put together the main tips from police and civil protection to keep people safe and prevent crime over the festive period.

Getting there – Leave for destination in plenty of time – security and traffic arrangements in some places where there are major events Lisbon Praça do Comércio and Terreiro do Paço – bag searches etc – no bottles/glass – comply with police directions. Objective to keep people safe and prevent crime. Use public transport where possible.

Crime – Particularly crowded places and late night public transport such as Lisbon trams – look after your personal possessions etc. Do not carry more than is needed. , Check that you have left the vehicle locked and do not leave valuables in view. Take care parking avoid blocking vehicles.

Pedestrian safety – with increased number of vehicles and pedestrians on the streets police remind to take care when using mobile phones when crossing roads – a number of deaths and serious injuries are caused by lack of attention.

Drink driving – police will be very vigilant concerning offences such as use of mobile phones and drink driving. Last year the GNR fined nearly 600 drivers and arrested nearly 200 over the criminal limit for drink driving so be aware. They advise take public transport and not to get in vehicles where the driver is drunk. Beware morning after.

Alcohol – enjoy yourself but pace yourself with drinking water before you go out and during the night as it will reduce the effect of the alcohol on your body. A meal before you go out and snacks between drinks can help slow down the absorption of alcohol,

Security of buisness and places of late night entertainment

• When closing up your business late at night keep a lookout that you are not being watched
• When transporting cash, if the amounts are high, whatever the distance, the cash should be carried by a group of two or three staff members distributed between them.
• Cash transportation times should be varied and routes varied as well.
• Don’t put staff at risk

New Year’s Day

Aware ANPC issued warning high seas along entire coast 4-5 metre waves and their advice is NOT to take the traditional NYD dip. Take care near coastal walkways as winds will be higher thro to 2^nd Jan.

Objective is to keep people safe and prevent crimes

PSP announced today that it will use video surveillance cameras in the Commerce Square and surrounding area during the festivities of the year in Lisbon to ensure the safety of people and property and crime prevention.

In a statement, PSP Metropolitan Command (Cometlis) said that video surveillance cameras will be used after the positive opinion of the National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) and the authorization of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Eduardo Cabrita, as is provided for in the law regulating the use of video surveillance by security forces and services in public places.

The Public Security Police guarantees that it will use video surveillance cameras in the Commerce Square and surrounding area with “the express purpose of protecting the safety of people and property and preventing crime”.

In the note released today, PSP reiterates the prohibition of accessing the interior of the Commerce Square with bottles and glasses, therefore recommending people not to be accompanied by these objects.

Speaking to DN, Mayor Hugo Palma, a spokesman for the National Directorate of PSP, had already advanced that at the parties of the year at Terreiro do Paço Lisboa would attend one of the largest police actions ever in the city.

All access to the Terreiro do Paço will be controlled and the PSP will put cement barriers and structures with metallic spikes to block the vehicles (antiveículo rails). We have some of these structures of our own manufacture, “said the official, explaining that the same measures will be extended to New Year’s Eve in Oporto, which will take place at Avenida dos Aliados.

Similar to the entrance in stadiums or concert halls, the public that will go to the Terreiro do Paço to watch the spectacles will be the target of visual inspections, with the opening of backpacks and suitcases and the use of devices for the detection of weapons.

Three days of celebration are being prepared for the Lisbonians celebrating the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 in Terreiro do Paço, with free admission.

On the 29th, at 10pm, there is a concert by Ana Moura, and the next day at the same time, act Lura and Bonga. On 31, the party begins, also at 10:00 PM, with Marta Ren & The Groovelvets and continues with Captain Fausto. At midnight there is firework with Beatbombers music and a concert is followed by Ana Bacalhau, Ana Deus, Lena d ‘Água, Luís Portugal, Miguel Ângelo, Rui Pregal da Cunha, Samuel Úria, Viviane and Xana. .

Metro to run all night

The blue, green and red lines of the Metropolitano de Lisboa will work all night at dawn on January 1st.

According to the information available on the company’s official website, Pontinha, Colégio Militar-Luz, Jardim Zoológico, São Sebastião, Marquês de Pombal, Restauradores and Baixa-Chiado stations will be on the blue line. stations of Telheiras, Areeiro, Alameda, Rossio, Baixa-Chiado and Cais do Sodré.

The Lisbon Metropolitan Police command of the public security police reports that due to the completion of the festive season in the Praça do Comércio, during the celebrations on 31 December, it will be considered an improvised enclosure, which is why it will be set up security perimeters with the creation of eight access points.

Glass Bottles and glass glasses shall not be allowed in the enclosure, as well as rain caps with long rods, among other objects listed in the annex.

If you want to carry some belongings in backpack / bag, it should not be higher than the size of an A3. Sheet

The venue will open up to the public around 21 P. M. for those who wish to move to the trade square, as soon as possible.

On 29, 30 and 31 December, due to the need to ensure the safety of persons and goods and, to facilitate the intervention of means of protection and help, the lower area of the city will be subject to various constraints Traffic.

29th December 2017:
– Corte total de trânsito na Praça do Comércio entre as 21h00 e as 00h30
– Cortes principais:
o Praça Duque de Terceira/ Cais do Sodré (trânsito desviado para a Rua do Alecrim ou inverte)
o Av. Infante D. Henrique
o Av. Infante D. Henrique c/ Rua Cais de Santarém e Estação Sul e Sueste
o Rua da Alfândega c/ Praça do Comércio
o Rua da Prata c/ Rua do Comércio
o Rua do Ouro ficará afeta só a Transportes Públicos;
o Restauradores Sul

£0th December 2017:
– Corte total de trânsito na Praça do Comércio entre as 20h30 e as 01h30 (com os mesmos cortes e condicionamentos de dia 29 de dezembro)

31st December to 1st January 2018
18h00
– Corte a Nascente no viaduto da Av. Infante D. Henrique
– Corte a Poente no Cais do Sodré
20h00/05h00
– Corte total de trânsito na Praça do Comércio
– Cortes principais:
• Praça Duque de Terceira/ Cais do Sodré (trânsito é desviado para a Rua do Alecrim ou inverte);
• Av. Infante D. Henrique (Viaduto da Av. Mouzinho de Albuquerque – corte TOTAL);
• Av. Infante D. Henrique c/ Estação Sul e Sueste;
• Rua da Alfândega c/ Praça do Comércio;
• Restauradores Sul;
• Rua do Ouro (encerrada);
• Praça da Figueira – Encerrado o acesso a esta Praça com corte no Martim Moniz

The changes to the movement and their transit deviations are properly coordinated on the spot by the police and access to emergency vehicles is guaranteed. It is requested to comply with the information provided by the authority.

The PSP advises:
• Promote the use of public transport;
• Do not drink excess alcohol;
• If you park on the public road, check that your vehicle allows for the movement of emergency vehicles;
• Check that you have left the vehicle locked and do not leave any values in your interior;
• Be cooperative with authority officials and a facilitator of police action, do not compromise their security and other citizens and do not take risk behaviour;
• Do not bear personal property of value, especially mobile, wallet and watch;
• If you consider the police intervention necessary, do not hesitate to ask for our cooperation, call 112, in case of emergency and memorize on your phone the following telephone number of the lisbon metropolitan command of the PSP: 21 765 42 42, or type on your phone [21 police].

The PSP wishes to have a good party in safety, wishing a good year of 2018.

1. SITUATION

Following the contact with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) held today, December 30, the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC), issues a warning that it is expected, from 12:00 noon on December 31st and 06.00 hrs on 2^nd January there will be worsening of the situation related to high seas with waves reaching 4 to 5 meters along the entire coast. A total pf 15 districts are at yellow warning, six for high seas, five for high winds and four for both.

Follow the meteorological forecasts made by IPMA (www.ipma.pt) and the advice and recommendations made by the National Maritime Authority (www.amn.pt).

2. EXPECTABLE EFFECTS

Depending on the expected weather conditions, the following is possible:

• Slippery road surface with possible accumulation of water;
• Possibility of flooding of more vulnerable areas;
• Floods of underground urban buildings due to poor drainage conditions;
• Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
• Difficulties of disposal in urban drainage systems, with special emphasis on periods of high water;
• Potential for coastal accidents;
• Potential occurrence of accidents (land slips) caused by instability or erosion of slopes.

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC recommends people to be cautious and adapt behaviour to the situation, namely:

• Avoid crossing flooded areas, in order to prevent people or vehicles from being drawn into holes hidden in the pavement or open sewage boxes;
• Fix loose elements, such as beach support structures, signs or advertising placards, as well as other structures suspended or installed outdoors;
• Take special care on foot , riding or by vehicle along the coastline and in river areas that are more susceptible to coastal encroachment, avoiding, if possible, crossing, parking or staying in these places;
• Refrain from engaging in sea-related activities, such as sport fishing, water sports and recreational walks by the sea;
• Avoid traditional New Year’s baths in the sea and other actions of a similar nature.

In this festive season be sure to pay particular attention to meteorological information and comply with the indications, advice and recommendations of the public authorities, namely Civil Protection, the National Maritime Authority and the Security Forces.

Start the New Year Safely

Translation Provided by Safe Communities Portugal www.safecommunitiesportugal.com