Criminals on bicycles are targeting beachgoers in Copacabana and Leme, in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone. Security camera footage shows that the attacks last only a few seconds and follow a recurring pattern: a rapid approach, the snatching of necklaces, and a quick escape through side streets. In some cases, thefts escalate into assaults. One incident recorded in Copacabana shows a man riding a bicycle past a woman and ripping a necklace from her neck. The action is so fast that the robbery is barely noticeable without slowing down the footage.
This Content Is Only For Subscribers
To unlock this content, subscribe to INTERLIRA Reports.
Other Cases
In another incident in Leme, two men stole a necklace valued at R$25,000. The victim attempted to chase the suspects but was unable to catch them. In a third case, a woman had a necklace worth R$16,000 stolen while walking along the beachfront. Witnesses report that the criminals closely observe their victims before striking. They approach discreetly, assess the situation, and then act, tearing off the necklace and fleeing swiftly on bicycles, using side streets to disappear.
Teenagers are also attacked
Violence is not limited to adults. A 13-year-old boy was also targeted and physically assaulted. According to witnesses, the teenager was restrained during the attack. “They grabbed him by the neck, pinned him against a wall, punched him in the abdomen, stole his cell phone, and took the small bag he was carrying with his credit card and money for school lunch,” one account said.
Preferred time
Residents report that the criminals usually operate very early in the morning, when the beaches are still relatively empty. This period coincides with police patrol shift changes and with the time when tourists often leave their hotels, creating opportunities for quick attacks with less immediate intervention.
Data and underreporting
According to the Military Police battalion responsible for Copacabana and Leme, 15,499 thefts were recorded in the area in October, a figure 5% higher than in the same month last year. Robberies, however, dropped from around 10,000 to 7,000 in the same period. For the president of the Copacabana Residents Association, Horácio Magalhães, the real numbers may be even higher. “There is significant underreporting. Many people choose not to file a report,” he said. “This is particularly harmful because it makes it harder, especially for the Civil Police, to investigate and identify these gangs.”
Previous cases
Residents’ concerns have intensified due to serious incidents in recent years. In 2023, a 72-year-old woman died after being attacked in Copacabana. A criminal pulled her necklace with such force that she fell, hit her head on the ground, and did not survive. Residents also point to the lasting psychological impact of these crimes. “There are women who were robbed here in Copacabana and stayed inside their homes for six months because of panic attacks. Violence isn’t only physical — it’s also mental,” said one resident.
Analysis:
The pattern of bicycle-based thefts along Copacabana and Leme reflects a broader shift toward low-cost, high-mobility street crime in dense urban and tourist areas. These attacks are characterized by speed, prior surveillance of victims, and escape routes that exploit the narrow side streets of the neighborhood. The focus on necklaces and visible valuables suggests a rational strategy aimed at items that can be removed in seconds, easily resold, and difficult to trace, reducing the risk of identification and arrest. The early-morning timing further indicates deliberate exploitation of gaps in routine policing and moments of reduced street activity.
From a security perspective, this type of crime challenges traditional patrol models. Bicycle-enabled offenders can move faster and more discreetly than foot patrols while remaining less conspicuous than motorized vehicles. The brief duration of the attacks limits opportunities for intervention, even in areas covered by cameras. The escalation to physical violence, including assaults on minors, demonstrates how quickly opportunistic theft can turn into serious bodily harm, especially when victims resist or are restrained.
Sources: G1.
