The state of Rio de Janeiro experienced a rise in crime rates between 2013 and 2017, followed by a decline in most public safety indicators in subsequent years. However, 2024 saw a reversal of this trend, with an increase in key crime indicators, particularly cargo robbery. After six consecutive years of decline, cargo robbery incidents rose by nearly 7% compared to 2023, marking a concerning shift in public security trends.
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Daily Numbers
On average, nine trucks were stolen per day, totaling 3,438 incidents throughout 2024. These crimes were most frequent on weekdays, particularly between 9:00 and 12:00. Given the average value of stolen cargo, direct financial losses from these robberies were estimated at approximately R$325 million.
Concentration of Incidents
Cargo robbery remains a highly concentrated crime in the city of Rio de Janeiro. In 2024, 99% of incidents occurred in the Metropolitan Region. Furthermore, more than half of the cases were recorded in just eight of the state’s 137 Integrated Public Security Districts (CISPs). These eight CISPs are strategically located near major highways—Washington Luís Highway, BR-101 (Avenida Brasil), Presidente Dutra Highway, and Arco Metropolitano—and are close to industrial zones, making them prime targets for cargo robbery.
Concentration evolution of cargo robbery cases – Source: Firjan.
BR-040
The area surrounding BR-040 saw a 14% increase in cargo robbery incidents. Notably, this highway crosses the two CISPs with the highest number of cases in 2024, underscoring its vulnerability to criminal activity.
Arco Metropolitano
In contrast to the statewide increase, the 11 CISPs around Arco Metropolitano recorded a 5% decrease in cargo robbery incidents. However, CISP 60 – Campos Elíseos, located near the junction of BR-040, Arco Metropolitano, and Dutra Highway, remained the CISP with the highest number of cases in the state (10% of total incidents). Despite a minor reduction in thefts (five fewer cases than in 2023), the CISP continued to report an average of one incident per day.
Largest Increases
Certain districts experienced sharp increases in cargo theft. CISP 21 – Bonsucesso and CISP 38 – Brás de Pina saw spikes of 43% and 67%, respectively, compared to 2023. The most dramatic increases were recorded in CISP 27 – Vicente de Carvalho (136% rise, with 83 cases) and CISP 31 – Anchieta (111% rise, with 69 cases), both of which more than doubled their incidents from the previous year, emerging as high-risk areas.
São Gonçalo
Though East Fluminense is not among the highest-risk regions, São Gonçalo saw a notable surge in cargo robbery, doubling its number of incidents. CISP 72, CISP 73, CISP 74, and CISP 75, all within São Gonçalo and influenced by BR-101, reported 208 cases in 2024. The months of November and December alone accounted for 138 cases—66% of the yearly total. In contrast, this region recorded only 103 cases in 2023.
Port of Rio
The Port of Rio de Janeiro, a critical logistics hub, was also heavily impacted, with a 48% increase in cargo robbery incidents. The port handled over R$136 billion in cargo in 2024, making it a prime target for organized crime. Authorities recorded 228 more robberies than in 2023, representing a weekly increase of approximately four cases.
Analysis:
The resurgence of cargo robbery in Rio de Janeiro in 2024 marks a significant reversal in the state’s public security trends. After six years of declining numbers, the 7% increase in incidents signals a shift in criminal dynamics, particularly in the Metropolitan Region. The high concentration of crimes along key logistical corridors, such as BR-040 and Avenida Brasil, suggests that criminal groups have adapted their strategies, exploiting gaps in enforcement and targeting high-value cargo. Additionally, economic pressures and policing limitations may have contributed to the rise in cases.
Public security is a fundamental pillar of economic development. According to a study conducted by Firjan, two out of three business owners state that investment decisions in Rio de Janeiro are influenced by the state’s security conditions. Furthermore, the costs of cargo robbery extend beyond direct losses, encompassing indirect expenses such as private security services and insurance, which in many cases surpass the value of the stolen goods. The increasing burden of security-related costs affects the entire productive sector, not just those directly victimized by crime.
