Street crime poses the greatest risk to foreign visitors and expatriate businessmen. Street crime is a growing, ever-present threat in the country's major cities, but is particularly acute in Rio de Janeiro. The most common locations for criminal acts to be committed against foreigners in Rio are the popular beaches and neighborhoods of Copacabana and Leme. The incidence of crime against tourists tends to be greater in areas surrounding discotheques, bars, nightclubs and other similar establishments, especially at dusk and during the evening hours. Several Brazilian cities have established specialized tourist police units to patrol areas frequented by tourists. Most of the attacks have occurred in Copacabana but the biggest increase has been seen in Santa Teresa. The following areas have been identified as "high crime" areas: Avenida Atlantica, between Postos 3 and 6; Avenida Rio Branco; Lapa; Santa Teresa and Vista Chinesa.
Sao Paulo has noted an increase in street crime where guns are involved. Additionally, Sao Paulo has reported thefts at Guarulhos International Airport, involving carry-on luggage or briefcases that have been set down, sometimes for only a moment. Arriving and departing travelers should be especially vigilant and take the necessary precautions at this and other Brazilian airports. Sao Paulo also suffers from the same problems of street crime, which appears to be on the rise in nearly every part of the city. Incidents of kidnapping do occur, however the targeted community continues to be wealthy Brazilian families, and this particular crime has not greatly affected the foreign community.
Crimes of opportunity, i.e., larceny, purse-snatching, armed street robbery, car theft and carjackings, pose the greatest threat to foreign visitors in Brazilian cities. Most foreign visitors dress differently and do not speak the local language. This increases their chances of being seen as a foreigner, and therefore perceived as an easier, wealthier target for criminals. Visitors are encouraged to keep in mind the following basic security precautions:
Avoid going out alone, if possible walk with a companion.
Avoid unlit areas, especially alleys and parks.
Do not resist an armed thief. If robbed, never pursue on foot.
Do not carry large sums of money; carry only what you need.
Do not wear ostentatious jewelry of real or apparent value.
Do not overburden yourself with bundles.
When riding in a vehicle, including taxis, keep all doors locked and windows rolled up to within two inches of the top frame.
The level of police assistance in these cities is described as marginal. Police response time is often lengthy due to the limited number of units available for patrol. Investigative efforts often are found lacking due to a high number of daily incidents, and a lack of available manpower needed to investigate those incidents. The local forces suffer from inadequate levels of training, manpower, lack of proper equipment and notoriously low salary levels at nearly every rank. Together, these factors help fuel the low levels of morale among the officers, which is directly reflected in the level of service provided.
Most crime, including violent crime, takes place in the periphery of Sao Paulo. Crimes involving foreigners occur in public areas where there are large numbers of people, such as crowded sidewalks, or on buses. The most serious challenge to the safety and security of expatriates, foreigners and citizens in Sao Paulo are the burglary of offices and staff residences. There is evidence that organized drug gangs have also been growing rapidly in the city.
Crime and murder rates are growing in Rio de Janeiro and tends to affect all areas of the city. Avoid Rio’s favelas, or hillside slums, areas of uncontrolled criminal activity. Rio de Janeiro also has a serious problem with organized crime. Organized crime factions have been responsible for bombings outside of hotels and restaurants frequented by tourists. Additionally the risk from express kidnapping remains a problem. Express kidnapping occurs when an individual or a group of individuals is abducted and immediately released following the receipt of a ransom. Victims may also be taken to an ATM where they are instructed to withdraw all of their money. These victims are typically released following this acquisition. Gang violence is another epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, most of which is fueled by drugs, and largely accounts for the city’s high murder rate. Many members of these gangs (gangues) are children or teenagers. Gangs are also beginning to form in wealthy residential areas by middle-class youth.
But to summarise it all , you can have a great time
2007-03-07 04:40:33
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answer #1
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answered by nonconformiststraightguy 6
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im so glad you asked. first of all do not, under any circumstances, eat the shrimp being sold on the copacabana and ipanema beaches. you can actually visit the favelas safely with tourgroups (although this raises obvious moral dilemmas). keep a watchful eye over yourself, use common sense, dont wear a fanny pack, learn some portuguese phrases, and you will have the absolute greatest time.
2007-03-06 11:27:29
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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The favelas, walking around with your digital camera looking like an OBVIOUS tourist, and just not being aware of the possible dangers. Also, be careful for some seafood. When and where in Brasil are you going?!
2007-03-05 19:39:44
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answer #3
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answered by Nicole B 2
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