Brazil: Thieves pose as street vendors to commit crimes on Rio de Janeiro beaches

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – From beer to umbrellas, from popsicles to hats, the presence of a variety of street vendors, some of whom are particularly charismatic and old acquaintances of bathers, adds to the charm of Rio’s beaches.

However, some take advantage of the sweat and respect these workers deserve to cause the worst on Rio’s beaches: the feeling of insecurity.

In recent months, fake vendors who disguise themselves to commit crimes have been observed on the city’s beaches, especially in the South Zone, and even more so on Copacabana – arguably Brazil’s most famous beach.

From the turn of the year to the beginning of May, O GLOBO counted at least eight arrests under these circumstances, either by the Military Police (MP) or the Municipal Guard (GM-Rio) – one arrest every two weeks. Although the problem is not exactly new, with specific episodes of greater magnitude in 2017 and 2019, reports accumulating among regulars and on social networks prove that the scene is much more constant.

FOREIGNERS ARE TARGETS

The chase described by victims illustrates the modus operandi of these criminals not only by the pretense of selling a product but also by the type of material they choose. They often opt for lightweight items and simple storage options, such as small boxes, to facilitate an eventual getaway.

Another characteristic of this type of criminal is their preference for foreign victims, who are less accustomed to the behavior of a traditional seller. In their crime, thieves usually try to distract their targets, including the help of accomplices.

In addition, fake peddlers try to get as close to customers as possible, allowing them to collect valuables without being noticed.

On May 1, a Sunday, GM-Rio arrested a 21-year-old fake peddler who had stolen a German tourist’s cell phone, a fanny pack, and even a soundbox.

On January 13, the man arrested by city guards – a partner managed to escape – had targeted three Argentines who lost their cell phones and wallets. Both cases occurred on Copacabana Beach, and in both cases, the items were returned to their owners.

On the day the Argentine trio was approached, agents in a four-wheeler belonging to the Military Police, who frequently make arrests of this type, spotted a fake peddler near a kiosk on Avenida Atlântica.

On him, wrapped in a towel, the victim’s cell phone was found in a bag with the goods supposedly for sale. There are reports of sarongs being used for the same purpose and even cases of thieves burying the stolen goods in the sand to retrieve them later.

On the sand strip, another arrest by Military Police officers occurred on April 10 – again on a Sunday – near Hilário de Gouveia Street. As in the other cases, the victim’s cell phone was found in possession of an alleged seller.

INCREASED PATROLS

To curb the actions of the fake sellers and the escalation of thefts in general, the authorities are relying on increased patrols. On May 20, the military police began Operation Bom Dia Copacabana, which increased the presence of officers on the main streets and along the neighborhood’s waterfront, especially in the early morning hours.

In addition to the 19º BPM (Copacabana), men from the region’s UPPs, the Programa Segurança Presente, and even the Civil Police are also involved in the initiative.

The military police said that “robbery crimes are usually committed when the opportunity presents itself.” The body went on to say that “situations in which the commission of these crimes involves individuals in irregular occupation – as in the case of the false street vendors – also require the action of supervisory bodies under the responsibility of the municipality.”

The Special Secretariat of Public Order (Seop) is considering the introduction of a new unique identification for registered and legalized street vendors who are the only ones allowed to operate on the beach – more than 600 have been removed from Copacabana beach for this reason alone since the end of last year.

The proposal under consideration calls for visible identification and even a uniform for vendors.

With information from O Globo

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