Cell phone robberies and thefts continue to be a critical public safety problem in Brazil. According to the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook 2024, an average of 107 incidents per hour were recorded, totaling 937,294 cases in 2023. Although there was a slight reduction of 4.7% compared to 2022, thefts (494,295) surpassed robberies (442,999) for the first time, indicating a change in the dynamics of these crimes.

In addition to the economic impact, these crimes feed other criminal modalities, such as virtual scams. The majority of robberies take place on public roads during work commutes, while thefts are more frequent at weekends, at times when cities are less busy.

Historical and Social Context

Since the early 2000s, the increasing popularization of cell phones has resulted in a significant rise in the number of robberies and thefts. The demand for more expensive smartphones, coupled with the inefficiency of public security and the expansion of the informal resale market, has exacerbated the problem. High-value devices, such as iPhones and advanced Samsung models, are the preferred targets.

How Do These Crimes Happen?

Most Common Times and Places

• Robberies
– 78% take place on public roads, especially in high-traffic areas such as public transport and busy commercial areas;
– the most common times are from 5am to 7am and 6pm to 10pm;
↪ busy times when people are going to or from work

• Thefts
– take place in commercial establishments, homes and public roads:
↪ 44% in streets | 14% in shops
– the times of greatest incidence are from 10am to 11am and 3pm to 8pm;
↪ times when movement is lower and victims are more distracted

Most Targeted Brands

• Apple (iPhone)
↪ despite having only 10% market share, robberies and thefts of Apple’s cell phones represent 25% of cases, due to its high-selling value on the illegal market.

• Motorola and Samsung
↪ although they are more popular brands, are less targeted and have a lower incidence of crime.

Victims | How to Proceed?

❌ Do not react

If you find yourself in this situation, prioritize your safety and stay calm.

👮🏻‍♀️ File a police report

File a police report online or in person and register the incident. In Rio de Janeiro, it can be done through the Online Police Station. Check your state’s Civil Police website to find out how to file a police report online.

In addition, there is the Celular Seguro app created by the Federal Government to optimize the registration of theft and cell phone incidents. To find out more about the app, visit the Federal Government’s website.

📱 Block the IMEI

Every cell phone has an IMEI, a global identification number that is unique to each device. You can find it on the phone’s original box, on purchase documents or by checking accounts linked to the device (e.g. Samsung, Apple).

↪ To block your device’s IMEI, contact your cell phone carrier:
CLARO: 1052  |  TIM: 1056  |  OI: 1057  |  VIVO: 1058

🗺️ Use tracking tools

For iPhone: Access the “Find My iPhone” app and activate Lost Mode.
For Android: Access the “Find My Device” app and lock it remotely.

⚠️ Warn close contacts

Warn friends, family and colleagues about what has happened, as they may receive fake messages or scam attempts. Alerting them helps prevent fraud and increases everyone’s security.

💳 Monitor your bank accounts

Keep an eye on your bank accounts and let your bank know if your device has been stolen. This way, the bank will be aware of any suspicious activity on your account.

📴 Suspend access to social networks

Cancel access to accounts connected to your cell phone, such as social networks, email, bank accounts, shopping apps, etc., by changing your login passwords or disconnecting the accounts from the device that was stolen.

Prevention | Measures To Prevent These Crimes

Avoid using your cell phone in public places, especially in high-risk places

Avoid handling your cell phone in crowded places or those with a high risk of robbery. This simple measure helps prevent theft and the exposure of personal data.

Enable the two-factor authentication

Habilite a autenticação de dois fatores (2FA) nas suas contas. Isso dificulta o acesso de criminosos às suas contas, mesmo que sua senha seja descoberta.

Make automatic backups

Enable automatic backups on your cell phone. Use services like Google Drive or iCloud to keep important files protected at all times.

Consider having a cell phone insurance

Finally, many companies offer specific cell phone insurance that covers theft, robbery and accidental damage. This way, you’ll avoid losses in the event of incidents with your device and you’ll have more peace of mind on a daily basis.

Conclusion

Among the most common crimes in Brazil, cell phones robbery and theft represent a huge challenge do the country’s public security.

For that reason, the prevention and attention are key to reducing the risk of robbery and theft. But if you – or a family member or friend – are a victim, understanding the dynamics of these crimes and adopting protective measures to reduce losses can put you one step ahead of the criminals and prevent even bigger problems.

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Source: Public Security Yearbook 2024