The state of São Paulo recorded 42,148 cell phones thefts and robbery in January and February of this year, which corresponds to one case every minute, on average. The data comes from a survey by the Public Security Secretariat of São Paulo. The numbers do not accurately reflect reality and could be higher, as many victims do not file police reports. In addition, crimes refer to the number of thefts and robberies, not the total number of cell phones taken. According to the survey, on average one in three cell phone thefts in the state of São Paulo occurred in the afternoon,that means 7,713 out of 21,773 cases. Next, victims are more susceptible to this type of crime at night (5,943), in the morning (4,808) and at dawn (2,881). In total, the state recorded 20,375 cases of cell phone robbery in the first two months. The night period proved to be the most dangerous with 8,665 occurrences, which represents 42%. Afterwards, the periods with the highest number of cases are: afternoon (4,072), dawn (3,789) and morning (3,783).
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Our Analysis:
The cell phone is one of the most coveted objects in the world of crime, as the device stores a variety of personal information, especially bank information. According to the Association of Police Delegates of Brazil, personal data, and the possibility of carrying out fraudulent transactions through bank apps make the smartphone an extremely desired object in the criminal chain. There is also a parallel market where these stolen devices are sold. The Brazilian Public Security Forum reiterates that the added value and possibilities of gain with the device are great.
14/04/2023 – A 32-year-old woman was attacked by two criminals during an attempted robbery in the Jardim Arpoador neighborhood, West Zone. The victim is studying nursing and was returning home when she was surprised by the duo. Security camera footage shows the woman walking with her backpack in front of her body, when she notices the approach of the men, who are wearing sweatshirts and caps. She tries to run but is overtaken. The criminals then violently throw her to the ground, and the victim rolls onto the sidewalk. Then they try to pull her backpack, dragging her down the street, but she holds the bag and does not give up. Faced with the victim’s resistance, they attack her, including punching her in the nose, and flee the scene.
15/04/2023 – Three criminals used hostages as human shields during a shooting in front of a beauty salon on Rua Sócrates, in the Campo Grande neighborhood, South Zone. According to the Military Police (PM), the trio invaded and robbed the establishment and, on the way out, they were surprised by teams from the PM and the Metropolitan Civil Guard (GCM) that surrounded the place. In the parking lot, the criminals took at least three women hostages. They then started a shooting with the security agents – at which point the women managed to get away. Then, the trio split into two motorcycles and fled the scene, while shooting towards the police.
15/04/2023 – The Military Police seized more than 1,400 portions of drugs, including 960 of K9, in the neighborhood of Liberdade, in downtown São Paulo. The action also resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old man. According to the Public Security Secretariat of the State of São Paulo (SSP-SP), police officers were on patrol in the Glicério region when they saw the criminal on Avenida Prefeito Passos. Upon noticing the cars, the man ran. At the scene, a suitcase was found, where the drugs were hidden.
16/04/2023 – A man was attacked by a group of five people in the Campos Elísios neighborhood, downtown São Paulo. Footage from security cameras shows that the gang left the victim only in his underwear and socks. The images show the man walking hugging a woman and the moment he is surprised with a choke and dragged to the ground. Then four people rip off all the victim’s clothes. A fifth boy also arrives to rob the man, while the woman who was with him just watches. After criminals take his clothes, his backpack and even his hat, the victim walks out in just underwear and socks.
16/04/2023 – A man was robbed at the parking gate of a Carrefour supermarket in Vila Guilherme, North Zone. Thesecurity camera of one of the turnstiles recorded the moment when the victim stops his motorcycle to withdraw the ticket from the entrance control machine, then he is approached by three criminals on two motorcycles. They get out of the vehicles, remove the man’s helmet, and take his belongings. Criminals also force the victim to get off his motorcycle and one of them takes over. Then they run away from the entrance to the parking lot.
17/04/2023 – A plainclothes military police office reacted and killed a criminal after being robbed in front of the Military Police base in the Santo Amaro neighborhood, South Zone. He had just left the battalion and had driven the car a few meters when he was surrendered by the criminal. The police officer initially handed over the requested cell phone, but then reacted and exchanged fire with the criminal.
18/04/2023 – A gang of eight men invaded a luxury condominium on Rua Humberto I, in Vila Mariana, South Zone, and stole several cell phones. According to the Military Police, criminals arrived at the building in three vehicles and started stealing cell phones. The group managed to flee and has not yet been arrested. So far, there is no information on the financial loss or how many people were robbed.
18/04/2023 – Criminals invaded a public school in Cidade Tiradentes, East Zone, they stole the local light wiring, leaving the institution without power. This is not the first time this has happened; in other robberies the criminals took faucets and school toys.
19/04/2023 – A man was taken hostage, tied up, tortured, and killed inside his own house in the neighborhood of Parelheiros, South Zone. Ten armed criminals surrendered the man after he left his wife at the bus stop. They demanded that the victim make bank transfers via Pix. But even having made the requested transfers, the man was asphyxiated to death.
