'Don't scream when you're being robbed', Brazil police tell World Cup fans
PUBLISHED : Monday, 12 May, 2014, 3:12am
UPDATED : Monday, 12 May, 2014, 3:44pm
Bloomberg in Sao Paulo
People attend a test event for the opening game of FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, at Arena de Sao Paulo stadium. Photo: Xinhua
Brazilian police will distribute pamphlets to World Cup visitors advising them not to argue or scream when being robbed.
The campaign was designed by the head of the committee created by police in Brazil's biggest city to prepare for soccer's marquee event and aimed at avoiding the increasing rate of robberies that end with homicide.
Police officer Mario Leite told the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper that the tips were included in pamphlets that embassies and consulates from the United States to Europe would distribute to visitors boarding planes to the South American nation.
To be published in English, Spanish and French, the brochures advise against showing off possessions and walking alone at night, and recommend that tourists make sure they are not being followed.
"Don't react, scream or argue" with robbers, the pamphlets would say, Leite said. "Tourists coming from Europe or the US don't come frequently and aren't used to seeing these types of crimes. Since they're not used to it, they will react to an assault. With the pamphlets, they know not to flaunt certain objects, to be careful at night and to only walk around if accompanied."
While the number of murders in Sao Paulo state fell last year, robberies that end in murder, rose 9 per cent to a nine-year high of 385.
Brazil expects to welcome more than 600,000 foreign tourists for the massive sporting event, and is anticipating the internal displacement of more than three million residents.
Authorities have begun activating 30,000 troops to secure its borders. The operation involving the army, navy and air force will extend over the 16,900km frontier separating the South American giant from its 10 neighbours.
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse
