Still mixed, in the statistics, with other types of robberies, crimes committed by false delivery men, generally against pedestrians, have drawn attention in Rio since last year. According to media outlets, from the end of 2021 to May this year, between records in police stations and cases published by the media, there were at least 28 episodes of this type. The real number, however, could be much higher. Based on reports received through social networks, the Union of Service Providers through Applications and Software of Rio de Janeiro (Sindmobi) estimates that, at the beginning of 2022, there was a 10% increase in complaints received about cases of robbery carried out by false delivery men, compared to the same period last year. The reports come mainly from areas of the South Zone.
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On May 17th, a commercial pilot and his helicopter were shot by drug dealers in Vila Cruzeiro (Penha neighbourhood, North Zone). Because of the attack on the helicopter, the Brazilian Association of Helicopter Pilots (Abraphe) released a map with the visual corridors presenting alternative routes for pilots to avoid flying over or even approaching six favelas in Rio. According to the entity, the points where the aircraft are likely to become targets are: Vila Cruzeiro, Complexo do Alemão, Jacarezinho, Morro da Mangueira, Barreira do Vasco and Vidigal.
03/06/2022 – Military Police carried out an operation in Morro do Dezoito, Água Santa neighbourhood, North Zone. According to the Police, the operation’s objective was to dismantle criminal activities related to vehicle theft and cargo theft, in addition to locating and removing barricades placed on public roads.
03/05/2022 – Police officers arrested three men who allegedly committed at least 12 serial robberies in the last two weeks in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, West Zone. According to the police, the gang operated, above all, in the exit of nightclubs and restaurants, precisely taking advantage of a moment of distraction, whether when boarding or disembarking the vehicles.
04/06/2022 – Two criminals who tried to rob a civil police officer were killed by the agent, who was also shot. The case took place in Engenho de Dentro neighborhood, North Zone. The police officer reacted to the approach of two criminals who were on a motorcycle.
04/06/2022 – Police officer and his wife are shot during a bar fight in Campo Grande, West Zone. Witnesses claim that the couple argued at the scene, which would have bothered a group of armed men.
05/06/2022 – Police arrested four people after a chase on Avenida Brasil. All suspects were in a car that was approached by police in the lane towards Center of the expressway. Two grenades, a 9mm pistol, three magazines and 182 drug pins were seized from the suspects.
06/06/2022 – Criminals robbed in the drive-thru queue of a cafeteria in Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, West Zone. Armed with rifles, at least eight criminals took a luxury car in addition to cell phones, wallets, watches and other belongings of at least six customers. According to investigations, they would have disembarked from vehicles in the parking lot of a pharmacy, neighboring the establishment, and approached the victims on foot.
Our analysis:
Reacting to a robbery is very risky. Usually, the person carrying a gun has a big advantage over the unarmed victim. Besides, a simple escape attempt can have a fatal outcome, since the offender is also in a stressful situation, and may take unthinking and disproportionate measures. It is therefore important to remain as calm as possible. The most precious asset to protect in such cases is human life, so the best thing to do is to let the perpetrators take the assets so that the physical integrity of the victims is guaranteed.
06/06/2022 – A resident of Sampaio neighborhood, North Zone, was shot during an operation by the Military Police against clandestine car washes. According to PM, police officers were trying to separate a dispute between people in a car wash when one of the weapons went off.
06/06/2022 – Police officers arrested two brothers accused of being involved in deals of stolen luxury vehicles. According to the police, the brothers are suspected of being one of the great recipients of luxury vehicles stolen by criminals in the North Zone. The vehicles are then “dismantled” for the sale of parts.
07/06/2022 – A man was arrested by the Military Police after a bus robbery in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Passengers said he and an accomplice demanded cell phones and money from everyone on the bus. The other suspect fled.
07/06/2022 – The police carried out operations in the communities of Serrinha, in Madureira, and in Morro do Dendê, in Ilha do Governador. Both in North Zone.
07/06/2022 – Two men were arrested by the Military Police on Saint Roman Street, in Ipanema, South Zone. They were accused of committing crimes in the region. A 38-caliber revolver, ammunition and cell phones were seized from the duo.
07/06/2022 – A Shooting during Civil Police operation left one dead in Turano favela, North Zone. Residents reported intense shooting throughout the afternoon, as well as constant overflights by a helicopter. According to the Civil Police, the confrontation began after agents from the specialized agency were checking information about the presence of heavily armed criminals at a car wreck outside the favela.
Our analysis:
It is important to note that the operations are intended to arrest criminals or to seize drugs. But also, the mere presence of police officers in a crime-controlled area are enough for a confrontation to take place. When there is an operation happening the risk of being hit by stray bullets increase. That being said, it is important to look for protection in every situation involving shootouts, even shot into the air: once a bullet reaches its apogee it falls and may hurt people in a crowded area. It’s advised to try to locate the source of the shots or confrontation and hide behind a suitable obstacle. And, if possible, leave the area.
09/06/2022 – Police officers from the Military Police’s Special Operations Command carried out an operation in the communities of São Carlos, Querosene, Escondidinho and Prazeres, Central Region. A police officer was shot in the hand and taken to a local hospital. The operation aims to fulfill arrest warrants against car theft gangs in Tijuca and the city’s South Zone. According to residents, there was intense shooting.
09/06/2022 – A shooting on Barão de São Félix Street, Central do Brasil region, temporarily interrupted traffic on VLT’s lines 2 and 3. People passing by reported an intense shooting around 8h. According to Military Police, the incident occurred after police officers were attacked by individuals as they were passing through Morro da Providência. 09/06/2022 – Civil Police arrested 4 people during an inspection operation of junkyards in Tijuca region, North Zone. 4 were interdicted. The action aims to curb crimes involving theft and reception of equipment from public service concessionaires. According to the Civil Police, the establishments targeted by the operation are the main suppliers of metallic materials, mainly copper, from large recyclers.
