Don't yell if mugged in Brazil

BRAZIL - In case you are mugged, "don't react".

Sao Paulo civil police issued this guideline to those who "have no idea how to behave in a city as violent as Sao Paulo", Brazilian newspaper Estado de Sao Paulo reported.

Pamphlets to be distributed by embassies and consulates give the following advice about what to do in the case of an armed robbery: "Do not react, do not yell or argue".

Mr Mario Leite, president of the committee dealing with World Cup security, said that the brochures aim to prevent visitors fighting back against thieves, who are increasingly likely to kill their victims.

He said: "Tourists come mainly from Europe and the US, where they do not see this crime very often. Since they're not used to it, they will react to an assault."

Mr Leite also advised tourists not to walk around with valuable items on display, to avoid being alone in the streets at night and to ensure that no one is following them.

"There is no use crying over spilled milk," he said, emphasising the necessity of such precautionary measures that might seem extreme to foreign visitors.

At least 600,000 travellers are expected to arrive in Brazil during the football tournament, which runs from June 12 until July 13.

Brazil is one of the most violent countries in the world, with a murder rate of 25.2 per 100,000 inhabitants.

"But if the photographer doesn't care about his reputation, he will hardly seek long-term development in the circle," he said.

This article was published on May 14 in The New Paper.

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