The attacks have been blamed on locals who have voiced criticism of the McCanns' new campaign for information on their daughter's whereabouts.
The fresh appeal
is focused on the area where Madeleine, three, went
missing on May 3 2007 during a family holiday.
Around 10,000 leaflets are being handed out and posted through letterboxes in Praia da Luz and the nearby towns of Lagos and Burgau.
The Algarve campaign is being backed by billboards, posters and advertising on local buses.
The appeal has been criticised by part of the local population who have dismissed it as a waste of time and claim it is affecting the resort's image.
Resident Maria
Afonso said: "It's stupid to think this campaign
will bring Madeleine back two years after she
disappeared.
"It's just
sullying the reputation of the Algarve." Local Rute
Fernandes added: "It's a waste of time. "There's not
a single person on the Algarve that is unaware of
this case and doesn't know who Madeleine McCann
was." Family spokesman Clarence Mitchell has said
the appeal's aim is to collect the vital clue that
could lead to Madeleine being found.
The official Find
Madeleine Fund said in a statement earlier this
week: "At the time of Madeleine's disappearance the
emphasis was placed more on international appeals,
and it has been recognised that the local Portuguese
residents of Praia da Luz and the surrounding areas
have never been properly asked about information
they may have to give.
"The purpose of the current campaign is to do that - ask the local Portuguese residents for information to help to find Madeleine."
