Rio de Janeiro municipal guard reports drop in robberies and thefts

The Rio de Janeiro Municipal Guard (GM-Rio) has reported a reduction in robberies and thefts across 14 areas of the municipality following six months of operation by its Elite Division. Data from the Municipal Urban Security Secretariat and the Institute of Public Security (ISP) compare periods in 2025 and 2026 during the division's operational hours.

Significant decreases were noted in several neighborhoods. Botafogo saw a 73.10% drop in the Metro Botafogo area, while the Centro district recorded a 62.40% reduction in the sector between the Bus Station and Leopoldina Station. Other areas showing declines include Freguesia and Jacarepaguá (71.40%), and Barra da Tijuca (46.60% between Ayrton Senna and das Américas avenues).

During this period, the Elite Division conducted 14,500 approaches and 1,284 arrests or transfers to police stations. Authorities also recovered or seized 330 cell phones and 250 motorcycles, along with one pistol, 23 firearm replicas, and 72 bladed weapons. The municipal government noted that these figures are partial and pending final compilation.