35 thefts from churches and homes in Aveiro councils yield €87,000 to two suspects
The Public Prosecution Service has accused two men of 35 robberies across five councils in the Aveiro region. Operation 'Hidden Route' resulted in pre-trial detention for both suspects.
Two men accused of 35 robberies across five councils in Aveiro district
Correio da Manhã reports that the Public Prosecution Service has brought charges against two men, aged 47 and 51, suspected of committing at least 35 thefts in the councils of Vale de Cambra, Oliveira de Azeméis, Sever do Vouga, Albergaria-a-Velha and Oliveira de Frades. The crimes yielded more than €87,000 to the accused.
Targets included churches, chapels, homes, annexes, associations and commercial and industrial establishments. The suspects broke into the premises and took cash, tools, metals, equipment and other goods.
The detentions were carried out by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the GNR in Aveiro as part of Operation 'Hidden Route'. Searches conducted resulted in the seizure of six thousand euros in cash, three mopeds, one car, five firearms, gold objects, machinery, tools and drug substances.
The Public Prosecution Service of Santa Maria da Feira also accuses other suspects who participated in the crimes, as part of the same proceedings.
In a statement, the GNR highlighted the impact of the investigation in the affected areas: "An analysis of the evolution of crime in the particularly affected areas revealed an increase of approximately 60 per cent in incidents between January and April 2026. Following the detention of the main suspects and the application of pre-trial detention, a reduction of approximately 81.25 per cent in crimes against property was recorded in the previously affected areas."
The GNR added that this result "demonstrates the preventive and security impact of the investigation, particularly relevant as this was crime that predominantly affected rural communities and isolated localities."
The two detainees are currently in pre-trial detention.
Source: Correio da Manhã