Robbers have field day at Rio; video shows tourists being robbed in broad daylight
This, despite Rio deploying about 85,000 soldiers and police to secure the games, twice as many as London did four years ago.
Rio de Janiero: Murky pools and stray bullets are not the only things making headlines from the Rio Olympic Venue this season. A footage showing daylight robbery and thieving in the South American party paradise is going viral in the internet, with many expressing shock and astonishment at the security infrastructure in the country.
The footage shows petty thieves following unsuspecting passer-by’s, trailing them unabashedly, patiently waiting for an unguarded moment, and in a swift scoop, making away with whatever they can lay their hands on- watches, ornaments, bags, satchels, wallets and money.
Sometimes bike-borne, or sometimes violent, the swarm of humanity that has descended into the city to take part and witness the Olympic Games have provided easy targets for these seasoned robbers.
The city’s security infrastructure has been at the receiving end of much international criticism, with many countries complaining that not much has been done to protect the teams and the management.
Earlier, an Olympic bus carrying journalists was hit by stray bullet on Tuesday, shattering two glasses, while a similar incident occurred at the media tent at the Olympic Equestrian Centre on Saturday.
According to reports, criminals are bypassing checkpoints with fake or no accreditation, and two team officials were robbed at knifepoint.
This, despite Rio deploying about 85,000 soldiers and police to secure the games, twice as many as London did four years ago.