Campos Sees 10% Rise in Thefts in First Half of 2026, Sparking Resident and Business Concerns

Campos dos Goytacazes, in the North Fluminense region of Brazil, is experiencing a growing sense of insecurity due to a 10% increase in theft incidents during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The Institute of Public Security (ISP) reported 1,411 theft occurrences by June of this year, an increase of 128 cases from the previous year. A particularly concerning trend involves the theft of energy meter boxes, with recent security footage capturing a suspect quickly removing equipment from a business in the Pelinca neighborhood. Residents and business owners are expressing heightened concern and have begun implementing additional security measures, such as installing surveillance cameras and enhancing lighting. However, they report that these efforts are not entirely deterring criminals. The local newspaper attempted to contact the Military Police for information on increased policing and strategies to combat this rise in crime but had not received a response by the time of publication.