1.Date and Time of Incident
•January 2, Thursday, around 9:30 PM
2.Location
•Intersection of Rua Conselheiro Frutado and Rua Barao de Iguape, Liberdade District, São Paulo
3.Incident Summary
While traveling by taxi from Guarulhos International Airport to a hotel in the Liberdade District, a Japanese national was checking their smartphone on their lap to confirm the destination. At the above location, the rear car window on the victim’s side was suddenly shattered, and an assailant reached inside to grab the smartphone.
The attacker appeared to have used a blunt object to break the window, but due to the darkness and the swiftness of the crime, details such as the assailant’s appearance, the tool used, whether accomplices were involved, or their escape method remain unknown.
After arriving at the hotel, the victim blocked the smartphone using their laptop. No physical injuries were reported.
4.Stolen Item
•One smartphone
5.Safety Measures
(1) Avoid Using Smartphones in Vehicles:
– Do not let your guard down even while inside a vehicle. Limit the use of mobile phones and smartphones during transit, especially at night. Check the surroundings and use them only when absolutely necessary. Light from phones is easily visible from outside, making users more vulnerable to targeting, particularly when the vehicle is stopped.
(2) Prioritize Personal Safety:
– In the event of an incident, prioritize your life and safety above all else. Do not resist or attempt to escape. Comply with the assailant’s demands calmly and avoid actions that could be misunderstood as resistance or attempts to flee.
(3) Prepare for Potential Theft:
– Consider carrying a wallet or some cash specifically to hand over if targeted. Keep valuables such as passports and credit cards hidden in less accessible places, such as under your feet or in the trunk.
Stay vigilant, especially in areas with known safety concerns, and exercise caution during nighttime travel.
