Almada, Portugal: Portuguese authorities have arrested a 38-year-old man suspected of carrying out a series of burglaries, with many of the alleged offences targeting educational institutions in the municipality of Almada.

The arrest was carried out by the Setúbal Territorial Command of the National Republican Guard (GNR) following an investigation that had been running for approximately two months. Investigators identified and located the suspect before executing an arrest warrant.

According to the GNR, the man is suspected of involvement in 11 counts of aggravated theft and one offence involving the misuse of a guarantee or credit card. Authorities said he has previous criminal records for offences of a similar nature.

Investigators said the suspected burglaries occurred mainly at schools and other educational establishments in Almada. The incidents reportedly caused concern among members of the local school community and residents.

The arrest followed police work aimed at connecting the separate theft reports and identifying the person allegedly responsible. Officers are continuing to investigate whether the suspect may be connected to other incidents that have not yet been attributed to him.

The detained man is due to appear before the Almada Judicial Court for an initial judicial hearing, where the court will determine the appropriate coercive measures while the investigation continues.

Portuguese authorities have not yet disclosed the full value of the property allegedly stolen in the cases. Further evidence could also emerge as investigators examine the suspected offences and any recovered items.

The accusations remain allegations at this stage, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through the Portuguese judicial process.

The GNR investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether additional crimes are connected to the case.