In the early hours of October 9, a mechanical workshop located in Praça da Bandeira, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, experienced a fire triggered by a short circuit during an attempted theft. According to the Fire Department, three men were attempting to steal an air conditioning unit when the electrical short occurred, leading to significant damage from the fire that primarily affected the office area of the establishment.

The Military Police were conducting routine patrols in the area when they were alerted by a motorcyclist about the ongoing theft. Officers from the 6th BPM (Tijuca) were able to apprehend the trio nearby and recover the stolen air conditioning unit, although it was damaged beyond repair due to the fire. During the arrest, it was revealed that one of the suspects had an outstanding arrest warrant for prior theft offenses.

This incident highlights not only the dangers linked to property crimes, where attempts to steal can escalate into life-threatening situations such as fires, but also the quick response of law enforcement in preventing further escalation. The successful recovery of the stolen item contrasts with the destruction caused by the fire, raising concerns about safety and security in urban areas like Rio de Janeiro, especially as property crime trends continue to affect local businesses and communities.