Lisbon Police Arrest Suspect After Students Forced to Withdraw Cash at Knifepoint

Portugal's Public Security Police (PSP) have arrested a 36-year-old man following two armed robberies in Lisbon's Lumiar parish, where students were coerced at knifepoint to withdraw cash from ATMs. The suspect, arrested last Thursday and held in preventive detention, is now in custody after investigators identified him through ATM surveillance footage.

The Incidents

The first robbery occurred on March 7 at approximately 9 p.m. on Avenida Maria Helena Vieira da Silva. The suspect approached a student and, under threat of violence, forced him to withdraw €10 from a nearby ATM. Eight days later, on March 15 at around 7 p.m., he struck again on Avenida David Mourão Ferreira, brandishing a knife and forcing another student to withdraw €20 from an ATM inside a nearby hypermarket.

Investigation and Arrest

Following the second incident, the PSP launched an immediate investigation, combing through video surveillance footage from the ATM locations. This digital evidence proved decisive in identifying and apprehending the suspect. After his arrest, he was brought before a judicial first interrogation, and the presiding judge imposed preventive detention—the most restrictive pre-trial measure available under Portuguese law for cases involving violence and public danger.

Context

While both robberies targeted students during evening hours, Lumiar remains a generally low-crime parish in northern Lisbon. The PSP recommends residents remain vigilant when using ATMs, particularly in isolated spots or after dark. Opting for well-lit, busy locations and immediately reporting suspicious activity near banking machines can help prevent similar incidents.

The quick resolution of these cases demonstrates the effectiveness of ATM surveillance systems in supporting police investigations and public safety across Lisbon.