App Driver Robberies Surge 48% in Campinas; Drivers Form Protection Network
Robberies and thefts targeting ride-sharing app drivers in Campinas, São Paulo, have increased by 48%, according to data from the Secretariat of Public Security. The number of reported incidents rose from 73 in 2024 to 108 in 2025, with an additional 30 cases recorded by April 2026. This escalating insecurity has prompted drivers to create their own safety measures, including participation in messaging groups to share information and warnings. The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, covers crimes on public roads where victims were identified as app drivers, though it doesn't confirm if they were working at the time of the incidents.
Experienced drivers like Rogério de Jesus, who has been working in the sector for six years, have faced direct threats. Jesus had his car stolen by passengers during a nighttime ride in 2025; although his vehicle was recovered, he incurred R$6,000 in damages and developed a significant trauma, leading him to alter his driving patterns. Another driver, Paulo César Madruga, who has been with app platforms since 2017, joined safety groups after a robbery-homicide occurred in the city. These groups, often on WhatsApp, provide guidance, especially for new drivers, and discuss strategies like prioritizing central areas and discouraging cash payments, which are seen as a vulnerability. Madruga emphasized the daily risks, noting that while he is alive, some colleagues are not.
Security expert Ruyryllo de Magalhães advocates for a collaborative effort between police, app companies, and drivers, suggesting the implementation of in-car facial recognition cameras to aid police investigations. The São Paulo State Association of App Transport Drivers (Amobitec) supports public safety policies and camera installation, recommending exclusive card payments for rides. As of the report's last update, Uber and the Secretariat of Public Security had not yet commented on the rise in incidents or the drivers' safety concerns.
The reported 48% increase in robberies against app drivers in Campinas highlights a critical public safety challenge at the intersection of the gig economy and urban security. This trend underscores systemic vulnerabilities within the ride-sharing model, where drivers, operating as independent contractors, bear significant personal risk with limited institutional recourse. The drivers' initiative to form protection networks demonstrates grassroots resilience but also points to a gap in proactive security measures from both platform companies and public authorities. Future considerations should explore how technology, such as enhanced in-car surveillance or real-time risk assessment, can be integrated into platform operations without compromising driver privacy or autonomy. Additionally, a coordinated approach involving municipal governance, law enforcement, and platform providers is essential to develop sustainable safety protocols that address the root causes of this escalating criminal activity and ensure the well-being of this essential workforce.
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