RIO DE JANEIRO (BDCi) – Muggings are becoming more and more common in popular tourist locations like beaches, and even on public transportation.
Rio de Janeiro’s bus fleet is experiencing a serious surge in crime. January 2013 saw only 195 incidents while this January saw 420, reminiscent of the peak crime levels from four years ago.
Recent issues of sexual violence in public transit have helped spread the perception that public transportation is not safe.
Non-transit related muggings and robberies are also increasing, with some neighborhoods seeing almost a 60 percent rise in crime from last year.
The number of robberies reported monthly has increased by nearly 50 percent in São Paulo’s public transit.
Top officials have already responded by stepping up security efforts and deploying military and federal police troops.
Americans have been warned by the U.S. State Department of the robberies in banks, at ATMs and on city buses, recommending that victims not resist the muggers. German and British authorities have issued similar warnings.
By: Diego Díaz Source: AP Photo: sopitas.com 23 May 2014
8:50 a.m. P.D.T.