Mass Robberies and Plunders in Rio Grande do Norte After Ten Days of Police Strike

12/29/2017 - 11h35

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JOÃO PEDRO PITOMBO

FROM SALVADOR

After the tenth day without military police in the streets, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte has been facing a wave of robberies, arrastões (mass robberies), and plunders in the state's main cities.

In Natal, a department store was targeted by thieves who, in a mass robbery, broke the store's windows and stole cell phones on display.

A police station of the state's capital was also hit by criminals. During the night, bicycles and motorcycle parts were stolen from the police courtyard.

The motorcycles, which had been seized by the police, had their tires taken by criminals.

In Mossoró, the second largest city in the State, criminals broken into and plundered stores downtown. A car was used to force open the metal gates of a multi brand clothing store, while thieves stole part of the goods.

Another store, which sells men's clothing, had its glass door broken and several clothing items stolen by criminals.

"We are still calculating the damages. They took many things", said Marta Dias, the store's manager to Folha.

Criminals also attempted to break into a cell phone store and a car dealership.

In the city of Nísia Floresta, in the metropolitan area of Natal, mayor Daniel Marinho (PSDB) had his car taken by criminals when he arrived at an event.

According to the Secretary of Social Defense, 450 robberies have been registered in the State since the beginning of the strike, including plundering and break-ins.

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

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