On Monday (23), a team from the Military Police’s Special Operations Command installed concrete blocks on four streets in the Maré Favela Complex, in the North Zone, as authorities attempt to implement measures to mitigate cases of cargo robbery increased by more than 100%. The institution calls the blocks speed limiters and justifies them as being necessary to make it difficult for large trucks, such as containers and car carriers, to enter the region.
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Cargo Theft
These vehicles have been stolen in other parts of the city and taken to these communities, where the cargo is taken by criminals. The drivers have been held hostage during the criminals’ actions.
Increase in Cargo Thefts
According to August data provided by the ISP, the number of cargo robbery records in the state increased by 112%, going from 154 in 2023 to 327 last month. In the area of the 22nd BPM (Maré), making the same monthly comparison, the rate also increased, going from 11 occurrences to 19.
Where They Are
Speed limiters were placed on the streets of Sargento Silva Nunes, Bitencourt Sampaio, Teixeira Ribeiro, and 29 de Julho, impacting access to the Nova Holanda and Parque Maré favelas.
Residents Complain
On its institutional website, the NGO Redes da Maré stated that the blockades hinder the free circulation of vehicles to supply local businesses, deliveries to the population, as well as construction activities and the movement of the population. On social media, however, Maré residents stated that garbage collection has already been impacted by the blockade of lives.
Military Police
In a statement, the PM stated that the devices were installed respecting the population’s right to come and go, in addition to preserving the lives of residents who could be hit by speeding vehicles driven by fleeing criminals. Furthermore, they said that the structures are part of a public safety strategy aimed at ensuring the passage of emergency vehicles, health vehicles, and public service concessionaires, as well as single-axle trucks and trucks with up to two rear axles that operate in companies leased in the community and supply businesses in the region.
Operations Against Cargo Robbery
The PM operation, on Monday (23), aimed to combat cargo theft in the region. Teams from the Shock Battalions (BPChq) and Special Operations (BOPE) were in the Parque União favela, where they removed barricades. On Tuesday, an operation by the Civil Police, with support from Gaeco, a group of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, aimed to arrest 16 people suspected of being part of a cargo theft gang. According to investigations, the gang took part of the illegally acquired material to Nova Holanda, in Maré.
Analysis:
Four streets in the Maré Favela Complex, in the North Zone, have received new speed control measures. Despite the name, they consist of concrete blocks placed in a zigzag pattern on the roads. The justification for the measure was the need to prevent stolen goods from entering the region. However, for public security experts, the decision is a strategic mistake: the structure resembles the barricades used by drug traffickers.
The installation of these barriers is a simplistic response to a complex problem, being very similar to the barricades imposed by organized crime — the same ones strongly combated by the Military Police. Police operations in Rio de Janeiro aim precisely to remove these obstacles that hinder the flow of the population and security forces. Thus, the measure sends the message that there is a lack of creativity, effort, and more assertive actions.
