Brazil sees spate of cell phone thefts at retail outlets

In Rio Branco, Acre, a electronics store in Shopping Aquiri was robbed during daylight hours on Thursday, with thieves walking away with approximately 170 second‑hand smartphones along with other devices such as MacBooks, iPads and newer stock. The incident was captured by the mall’s security cameras and is being investigated by the police.

In Maceió, Alagoas, a pizza restaurant in the Jatiúca neighbourhood was broken into in the early hours of Friday. The intruder stole delivery phones used by staff and attempted to destroy the shop’s video‑monitoring equipment, but the cameras recorded the act, providing evidence for investigators. Police have not yet identified the suspect.