Brazil: Attempted Robbery Incident During Transportation

Date and Time of Incident
- Date: March 21 (Thursday), around 7:51 AM
Location
- Area: Viaduto Julio de Mesquita Filho, Bela Vista District, São Paulo (just before entering 23 de Maio Avenue)
Incident Overview
- While driving alone through the mentioned area, the Japanese national’s car was stopped due to traffic congestion. At this time, someone attempted to break the passenger side window using a sharp object. The car had bulletproof glass, so the window was only cracked and not broken, and the assailants fled the scene. A smartphone was mounted on the dashboard, and although the window had a tint film, the strong sunlight may have made the interior visible from the outside.
- The assailants were a group of three: two men and one woman. One man was of brown complexion, approximately 165 cm tall, another was Black, approximately 180 cm tall, and the woman was of brown complexion, approximately 165 cm tall. All were in their early 20s and dressed in clean, sporty clothing.
- The victim was in the lane closest to the sidewalk. After the assailants passed by, a loud noise was heard about 20 seconds later, and the victim saw the two men fleeing the scene.
Damage
- Cracked car window
Safety Tips
- Be Vigilant in Traffic: Pay close attention to your surroundings, especially during traffic jams or when waiting at signals. Watch for suspicious vehicles, motorcycles, or individuals.
- Avoid High-Risk Times: Risk of robbery is higher during nighttime or low-traffic hours. Avoid traveling during these times if possible. However, remain cautious even during busy periods.
- Secure Valuables: Prepare a separate wallet or cash for handovers and hide valuable items like passports and cards out of sight in the car’s footwell or trunk.
- In Case of Incident: If confronted, prioritize safety and comply with the assailants’ demands. Do not attempt to resist or make sudden movements that could be misunderstood as aggression.