In February 2026, Santarém, a city in western Pará, Brazil, has witnessed a troubling spike in violent crime targeting vulnerable elderly citizens. Specifically, during this month, two senior citizens were brutally murdered in separate incidents classified as latrocínios, or robbery followed by death. Law enforcement agencies are heightening their alerts regarding the safety and wellbeing of the elderly, particularly those living alone, as both victims resided independently, making them easy targets for the perpetrators.

The local specialized police unit focused on protecting the elderly, led by Delegate Márcia Rabelo, has reported these crimes as highly unusual. Historically, the region had not seen such incidents involving elderly victims since the establishment of the delegation, indicating a worrying trend that necessitates immediate attention from both law enforcement and community officials. Delegate Rabelo expressed deep concern regarding the extreme violence directed at this demographic, emphasizing that such attacks must not become a new normal in Santarém.

In response to these heinous acts, authorities are urging families to ensure that elderly relatives are more vigilant and secure in their daily lives. Preventative measures include better community engagement, increased neighborhood watch systems, and recommendations that elders avoid engaging in high-risk behaviors such as displaying cash in public or maintaining predictable routines that could expose them to criminal activity. The hope is to mitigate further tragedies by encouraging families and the community to prioritize the safety of their elderly members during this frightening increase in local violence.