Increased Crime warning for Rio Janiero

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Increased Crime Warning for Rio de Janeiro - November 22, 2013

The U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Rio de Janeiro of increased incidents of crime in areas frequented by tourists. In the past several days, media reports have noted an increased number of crimes, notably mass robberies (arrastões) in which large numbers of teenagers have robbed entire areas of the beach in Leblon, Ipanema, Arpoador, and Copacabana.

The incidence of crime against tourists is greater in areas surrounding beaches, hotels, bars, nightclubs, and other tourist destinations. Incidents of theft on city buses are also frequent. Crimes are especially prevalent prior to and during holidays such as Carnival (Brazilian Mardi Gras) and Christmas, but also occur throughout the year. The current uptick in crime is likely to continue through December.

Criminals have typically targeted smartphones and necklaces, but there have been many reports of bicycles being stolen and confrontational thefts of wallets and purses. Please be aware of your surroundings, and keep valuables in a safe place and not on your person when visiting the beach and other tourist locations. Please be cautious when using mobile phones in public areas, and consider waiting until you are inside a safe area before using your phone.

You should keep a copy of your passport with you while in public and keep your passport in a hotel safe or other secure place. You should also carry proof of your health insurance with you.

Should you require assistance, please contact the Consulate General Rio de Janeiro using the information below:

U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro

Ave. Presidente Wilson, 147

20030-020, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone: (21) 3823-2000

After-Hours Emergencies: (21) 9968-0668

E-mail: ACSrio@state.gov

Travelers may obtain updated information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Brazil.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Brazil are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive the most up-to-date security information. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy and Consulates to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll in person with the U.S. Embassy or the nearest Consulate. Travelers may also consult the Mission Brazil website at http://brazil.usembassy.gov/service.html for more information.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and Google play, to have travel information at your fingertips.