Brazil security data shows mixed crime trends in 2026

Security statistics from various Brazilian states reveal divergent crime trends for the first nine months of 2026. In São Paulo, the state and capital recorded significant decreases in robberies, thefts, and homicides. Specifically, robberies in the state fell by 22%, and vehicle thefts reached a 21-year low. However, rape cases in the city of São Paulo rose by 4.7% in September, contributing to an 11.5% increase in the capital since the start of the year.

Mato Grosso reported a 22.3% decline in vehicle robberies compared to the same period in 2025, continuing a downward trend observed since 2019. Conversely, the state of Acre faced rising violence, with rape of vulnerable persons increasing by 31.5% and attempted homicides rising by 15%, averaging nearly one attempt per day.

On a federal level, the Federal Police reported a record number of fugitives captured in 2026, with 17,000 individuals apprehended through January to October. This represents a 21.4% increase over the total for 2025. The arrests included 1,412 people sought for sexual crimes and 724 for homicide or femicide.