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Most tourists and even locals don’t see the danger until it’s too late. Despite appearing very welcoming, Portugal is a dangerous country, especially Lisbon, where big communities from around the world gather and poverty can be seen everywhere. The attitude of the police officers and security guards in Lisbon is also quite different than in Porto. In Porto you will in general feel very safe. Locals are very unapologetic with criminals. In Lisbon, however, people tend to avoid confrontations, and police officers don’t help anyone when they must. Security guards aren’t prepared to deal with violent confrontations and will find any excuse to avoid them as well. You are basically on your own, despite the amount of CCTV cameras you can find anywhere inside metro stations, for they’re almost always turned off.
Criminals in Portugal, and contrary to Spain, are usually very aggressive, even with women, and can kill to take a wallet, and even attack police officers. If you are a victim of a robbery, it’s better not to offer resistance and instead give the money away. Rapes in Lisbon, despite hidden by the media, are more common than what it seems. You shouldn’t trust good looking youngsters that seem friendly, whenever they are alone and seeming to be doing nothing, for their are observing and analyzing their next victim. Many thieves in Portugal dress extremely well, sometimes in suit, to avoid catching attention on themselves.
To avoid such situations, try to be always near groups of people, and don’t isolate yourself at night, even when waiting for transportation. It’s safer to take a taxi in this case.
Never bring important documents with you. Leave them safely in your residence. Also avoid appearing like a tourist, and dress casual clothes.