PJ judicial police install 125 CCTV cameras in forest areas in Vila Real – Portugal Resident

PJ Judicial Police have installed 125 CCTV cameras in woodland areas in the municipality of Vila Real, designed to support the prevention and investigation of forest fires, the local council has revealed.

The initiative stems from a council investment, amounting to over €32,000. It is intended to assist the PJ in gathering footage and evidence that may help investigate the causes of rural fires and identify those responsible – particularly in cases of negligence and/ or arson.

“The equipment was installed by the Judicial Police, within the scope of their remit, and constitutes a further tool to support the prevention and investigation of the crime of forest fire,” said the council in a statement.

The development forms part of a municipal strategy for the prevention of rural fires, protection of the territory, the forest and the population, and is in line with the Council of Ministers’ Resolution of October 27, 2017, which approved structural changes to the prevention and fighting of forest fires and mandated the creation of the ‘Programme to Reduce the Number of Fires’.

‘By joining this effort, through the purchase and provision of the [125] cameras, the municipality of Vila Real is strengthening its cooperation with authorities and helping to improve prevention, surveillance and investigation measures within the municipal area,’ the council emphasised.

Noting that “forest conservation and the prevention of rural fires are collective responsibilities”, Vila Real municipality has given assurances that it will continue to collaborate with security forces, civil protection officers, parish councils and local communities.

source: LUSA