Rio de Janeiro is enhancing police presence during Carnival to address safety concerns arising from the dispersal of crowds at events, following incidents of theft and robbery.
In anticipation of the upcoming Carnival celebrations, the security authorities in Rio de Janeiro have decided to increase police presence due to concerns about the potential for crime during the dispersal of crowds from samba parades and block parties. Previous events have witnessed a rise in theft and robbery incidents, prompting officials to take preemptive measures to ensure the safety of participants and attendees.
Reports indicate that during technical rehearsals for the Carnival, various samba schools experienced thefts and robberies, particularly around the Praça da Apoteose, the venue for samba parades. The Military Police have confirmed that there were ten reported robberies during this year’s rehearsals alone, which raises alarms about the safety of the larger festivities. Notably, there were also twelve theft incidents reported during similar rehearsals last year, reflecting a concerning trend that prompted swift action from the security forces.
Governor Cláudio Castro emphasized the need for improved strategies, citing incidents from the previous year where crowd dispersal led to exploitation by thieves. He noted that the police were able to address these issues on the subsequent day of Carnival last year, leading to a safer experience. Drawing from these experiences, the authorities are optimistic that their proactive adjustments this year will mitigate risks and enhance the overall safety and enjoyment of Rio's celebrated Carnival festivities.
