The robbery of motorcycles has skyrocketed in the city of São Paulo. Folha de São Paulo had access to two surveys carried out by tracking companies, based on data from police reports made available by the Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP), and both indicate that this type of crime has increased in 2023.
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The numbers calculated by Ituran Brasil, for motorcycles with 501 cc engines and more ones, show that theft of this type of vehicle increased by almost 70% in the city in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period last year — it went from 462 to 781. Robberies represent 83.2% of incidents, compared to 16.74% of thefts. And the disparity grew, since, in the first half of 2022, cases of theft of powerful motorcycles accounted for 78.04% of police reports, according to Ituran research.
Other Studies
Tracker and Fundação Escola de Comércio Álvares Penteado (Fecap), which produce annual statistical bulletins, analyzed the data of motorcycles with 600 hp engine capacity or more and showed that thefts almost doubled in the comparison between the two semesters, going from 152 to 293 records in the capital, an increase of 92.7%. In the state, the increase was 83.5%. In the sum of all models and engine sizes in the municipality, the increase in robberies and thefts was 25% in the comparison between the two semesters, shows Fecap, going from 6,788 to 8,494 records.
More Robberies than Thefts
According to experts, robberies are more frequent than thefts because these motorcycles are generally kept in closed parking lots, with more security, when they are not in circulation.
Most Popular Models
The models most taken by thieves are big trails, tall motorcycles capable of long journeys. The champion in the first half of the year was the Triumph Tiger, with 900 cc, with 46 cases of robberies and thefts in the capital, according to the Ituran survey.
Most Dangerous Places
The two surveys indicate that expressways are among those with the highest number of robbery complaints — the leader is Avenida dos Bandeirantes, in the South Zone, with 16 cases. It connects the Pinheiros waterfront and the Imigrantes highway, third on the list, with 10 registrations. Upper middle-class neighborhoods, such as Vila Andrade, in the south zone, and Itaim Bibi, are among the main targets for criminals.
Consequence
As a result of the increase in incidents, Tracker recorded a 40% increase in the installation of GPS trackers between January and August, compared to the same period last year.
What the State Government Says
The Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) administration admits the problem and says that the theft of such motorcycles is being monitored by security forces. In a note, the SSP states that it promoted, on 16 August, a meeting with sector entities and movements that bring together motorcyclists from across the state to discuss the measures adopted and help curb this type of crime.
Analysis:
Motorcycles are highly targeted by criminals because they are easy to rob, can be hidden and resold easily and are very useful during criminal actions, like other robberies. In addition, they can also be dismantled to have its parts sold for a profit and sometimes, be used to “show power” inside gang-controlled areas. Experts understand that the increase in incidents of robbery and theft is alarming, as it shows a clear pattern of continuous growth. They also state that to fight this type of crime it is necessary to invest in cameras that read license plates, in addition to investigation.
Source: Folha de São Paulo
