Brazil: Tourist shot at beach in São Vicente December 15

Event

A tourist was shot during a gunfight between two thieves and off-duty police officers in São Vicente (São Paulo state) on Saturday, December 15. The thieves were attempting to steal from tourists at Millionaires Beach when the off-duty officers approached them, causing one of the suspects to open fire, accidentally hitting a tourist. One suspect was killed and the other was wounded and arrested. Another shootout was also reported at Enseada Beach in Guarujá, near São Vicente, on Saturday morning (local time). The incident occurred on Avienda Atlantica when two men on a motorcycle assaulted three people in a car. Police officers exchanged gunfire with the men, wounding one and arresting him. Crime rates in São Paulo state, and Brazil more generally, are expected to remain high during the Christmas season.

Advice

Due to high crime rates in São Paulo state - and throughout Brazil more generally - individuals should remain vigilant at all times, never enter favelas (slums), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Conceal conspicuous signs of wealth to avoid attracting the attention of would-be thieves. Note that criminals are often armed; never offer resistance in the event of a mugging.