Associação Safe Communities Algarve has launched a revamped website providing crime prevention information and public safety services aimed at English-speaking residents and visitors to Portugal. The portal – www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com – replaces the existing one created two years ago.
David Thomas, president of SCA, said: “Around a year ago it became evident that due to an increasing demand for SCA services and the expansion of its work, a new site would be necessary. I am pleased that Claire Kellock, an experienced website designer, volunteered her services in her spare time to develop a new professional site that would not only meet existing demand but expected growth in the future.”
He added: “it is essential that a website service such as this exists in any community in order that residents can obtain professional and independent advice that helps them, as well as supporting government efforts in maintaining safety in the community. It also helps facilitate public engagement with the police as they become more aware of the work of such organisations.”
According to SCA, in 2013 the old website had received some 700,000 hits and the number of daily visitors nearly doubled.
The new website has around 70 downloads of crime prevention material easily accessed in nine crime areas ranging from cybercrime to stolen pets. Crime arrests by law enforcement officers are posted daily.
In addition to the GNR pages, there are now pages for the PSP police, more information on civil protection, and in the near future SEF (the authority dealing with immigration and border control) will be added.
“Popular features such as reporting suspicious activities to the police, the GNR Safe Residence Programme and the Safe Services guide are now much easier to access,” said David Thomas.
“The new website is far more visual and benefits from more photographs including those taken by Birch Photography.”
The new website took a year to develop and involved consultation with various public services including the police to ensure their needs were met.
