Brazil: Occurrence of Pickpocketing Incident

• Date and Time: March 7 (Thursday) at around 5:00 PM
• Location: Paulista Avenue
• Incident Overview: On the above date and time, a Japanese national was walking alone from Japan House São Paulo (JHSP) across Paulista Avenue toward Casa das Rosas. The victim noticed that their shoulder bag had been slashed with a knife, resulting in the theft of their iPhone. There were no personal injuries reported.
• Stolen Item: iPhone
• Safety Measures:
  1. Avoid Using Phones Outdoors:
     • Pickpocketing targeting mobile phones is common. Minimize phone use outdoors and be cautious even if your phone is inside your bag.
  2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
     • The incident may have occurred while waiting at a crosswalk. Always stay alert and occasionally scan your surroundings to deter potential thieves.
  3. Limit and Secure Valuables:
     • Carry only essential items and avoid carrying valuable items if possible. If you must carry them, distribute them among different pockets or compartments.
  4. In Case of an Incident:
     • If you are involved in an incident, do not resist. Comply with the thief’s demands to avoid escalating the situation. Avoid making sudden movements that could be misunderstood as resistance.

For additional safety tips and information, refer to local safety guides and travel advisories.