São Paulo’s Crime Shift: Fewer Murders, More Thefts Under Tarcísio’s Watch

São Paulo, Brazil’s largest state, has seen a big change in its crime numbers this year. Official data from the state’s Public Security Secretariat show that murders have dropped to the lowest level since records began in 2001.

From January to May 2025, police counted 1,029 intentional homicides, twelve fewer than the same period last year. In May alone, there were 190 murders, down 2.5% from May 2024.

Robberies that end in death—known as latrocínios—also fell sharply. In the first five months of 2025, there were 58 cases, a drop of more than a quarter from last year. This is the lowest number ever recorded for this period.

Regular robberies, where force or threats are used, also dropped. In May 2025, there were 13,437 robberies, down 18.4% from the previous year. This is the lowest monthly figure in 25 years.

However, thefts—where property is stolen without violence—are still rising. In May 2025, police recorded 46,283 thefts, 365 more than in May 2024. Theft is now the most common crime in São Paulo, with over 500,000 cases reported last year.

Robbery is the second most common, with nearly 189,000 cases in 2024. These trends matter for everyone living or doing business in São Paulo. Lower murder and robbery rates mean people feel safer, and businesses face fewer violent incidents.

But the rise in thefts means companies and individuals still need to be careful with their property. More thefts can mean higher costs for security and insurance.

São Paulo Sees Violent Crime Decline as Ring Thefts Surge

For example, the number of stolen wedding rings jumped 56% early this year, with 1,333 rings stolen in just two months. Most of these thefts happen in public places and are linked to illegal resale.

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas credits the drop in violent crime to more police patrols, better technology, and a focus on breaking up criminal groups. Still, police say theft is hard to stop because the criminals are often unknown and work quickly.

São Paulo’s experience fits a national trend. Brazil saw a 5% drop in violent deaths in 2024, and São Paulo remains one of the safest big states for homicide. However, police violence is still a concern, with 814 deaths linked to police action last year.

The numbers show real progress in making São Paulo safer from violent crime. At the same time, theft remains a major problem for both residents and businesses. The state’s challenge now is to keep up the fight against property crime while holding on to gains against violence.