São Paulo experienced a 16% decrease in cell phone thefts during the 2026 Carnival compared to the previous year, with a total of 2,088 incidents recorded.
During the Carnival period from February 13 to 17, 2026, São Paulo reported 2,088 cases of cell phone thefts and robberies, according to a report from the Secretary of Public Security (SSP). This entails an average of 17 devices stolen each hour. In comparison, the previous year's Carnival recorded 2,506 incidents, indicating a significant reduction of 16% in thefts for this year's events.
The SSP's report includes all police reports filed after the carnival events, including those made through the Electronic Police Station, which has a validation period of up to 48 hours. Throughout the festivities, law enforcement successfully recovered over 70 stolen cell phones, which were returned to their owners following the identification of victims. In total, 94 individuals were arrested during the carnival festivities for various crimes, including theft, robbery, and the adulteration of beverages.
Police efforts included visible patrols, with some officers creatively dressed as characters from the Scooby-Doo team to ensure a festive atmosphere while maintaining security. These strategies contributed to a safer environment for Carnival participants, highlighting the effectiveness of law enforcement in reducing crime during major public events in São Paulo.
